System and method for managing and interacting with patrons at an activity venue

ABSTRACT

A technologically improved system and corresponding method of operation tracks and manages activities and tasks occurring at an activity venue. In particular, the system operates to track locations and pace of play or participation of the patrons at the activity venue and through various improved technological processes and interactions enabled by the unique hardware of the system, provide the patrons with feedback to manage their locations for an improved participation experience. Furthermore, the system leverages collected information and data to enable live traffic control of the patrons, provide predictive analytics related to gameplay and flow of traffic, and provide operators and patrons with information necessary to maximize a pace of place while optimally maintaining the venue around the patrons without interruption to the patrons and thereby improve the experience of the patrons at the activity venue.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority to and the benefit of co-pending U.S.Provisional Application 62/202,502, filed Aug. 7, 2015, co-pending U.S.Provisional Application 62/232,744, filed Sep. 25, 2015, co-pending U.S.Provisional Application 62/338,836, filed May 19, 2016, and co-pendingU.S. Provisional Application 62/352,548, filed Jun. 20, 2016 for allsubject matter contained in said applications. The disclosures of allsaid provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to addressing managing a plurality ofpatrons at an activity venue by implementing a technological solutionthat improves an experience of the patrons at the activity venue. Inparticular, the present invention relates to a system that operates totrack locations and pace of play or participation, e.g. time, of thepatrons at the activity venue and through various improved technologicalprocesses and interactions enabled by the unique technological hardwareof the system, provide the patrons with feedback to manage theirlocations for an improved participation experience.

BACKGROUND

Generally, activity venues make a profit by providing entertainment to amaximum number of patrons over a period of time. Typically, patrons canarrive at an activity venue and pay a fee to participate in an activityfor a period of time or for a predetermined quantity of sub-activities.For example, golfers can reserve a scheduled tee time to play a round ofgolf at a golf course. Traditionally, tee times are assigned to patronsusing a predicted offset of time to create an offset between golfingparties (e.g., 15 minute increments). Tee times can be assigned, byreservation or by walk-in, on a first come first served basis for timeslots that are available at the time of reservation. Other activityvenues schedule their activities for patrons based on similar schedulingsystems or simply using a first come first served queue (e.g., at venuesproviding entertainment related to mini golf, skiing, amusement parks,etc.).

However, these methodologies experience some shortcomings. The use ofscheduled predetermined time slots or first come first served typequeues can make it difficult for operators to manage a flow of patronsat periods of high volume (e.g., summer months, weekends, Friday night,etc.) and make it difficult for patrons to accurately predict the amountof time it will take to complete their activities at the venue. In otherwords, traditional methodologies do not take into account currenttraffic flow of the patrons throughout the entire venue and do notcompensate for bottlenecks causing extended wait times or gaps thatcould be filled by patrons that otherwise would be waiting toparticipate. For example, the first come first served model merelyplaces patrons at an initial starting point (e.g., at the first hole ofa golf course) upon their arrival at the activity venue, which can leadto backups and extended wait times while patrons wait for the group(s)in front of them to finish the current sub-activity (i.e., the firsthole of a three, nine, or eighteen hole golf course). Similarly,predetermined time slots can cause unnecessary delays or large time gapsbased on a time of day, week, or month. For example, time slots forearly afternoon on a weekday may not be as convenient for patrons as thetime slots for weekend afternoons, causing large swings in the number ofpeople on a course at any one time. Additionally, these conventionalmethods lack the tools necessary to track data related to the traffic ofpatrons and to use the data to maximize the throughput of the patrons.Instead, any adjustments made by operators at an activity venue relysolely upon in-person observations of the activities and patrons, andmaking the adjustments according to such in-person observations.Likewise, the adjustments that can be done based on such in-personobservations are insufficient to address the existing shortcomings ofsuch methodologies.

Moreover, today's culture and lifestyles have changed, leaving lessleisure time, which must be balanced against other priorities. Youngergenerations expect a lifestyle that is managed digitally in real-time.Accordingly, activity venues that are not optimized for efficiency tomeet today's demands and/or are not able to offer expeditedentertainment for patrons, can suffer financial losses. For example, intoday's culture, golfers are finding it increasingly difficult to playgolf because rounds could last over 4 hours 15 minutes, which is toomuch of a time commitment. Conventional golf courses lack a means toconvey to golfers how long a round of golf will take for them tocomplete, making it difficult to schedule a round of golf in condensedschedules. Similarly, in addition to an expedited entertainmentexperience, patrons want more budget friendly options to fit theirschedules. For example, a golfer may only have time to play golf for 90minutes, which may only be enough to play 6 holes, but they do not wantto have to pay for a full 9 or 18 holes (and it is unconventional to beable to pay for a number of holes at a full size golf course that isless than 9 holes). Problems similar to the above-noted issues can leadto patron frustration, hindering in the overall experience, a decreasein new players, and an overall decline in the number of participatingpatrons at the venue. Further, during extremely slow times, a golfer maywant to play a particular hole multiple times to practice a skillrequired to effectively play a challenging part of the course, such aslaying up in front of a hazard, clearing an obstacle, or finding thebest approach to executing a curved fairway, typically referred to as a“dog leg”. This type of flexibility and individualized billing isimpossible with current activity models.

Additionally, during periods of high volume of patrons, it is difficultfor the staff to maintain the venue around patrons. Typically the staffis inefficient as they have to wait to perform maintenance tasks inbetween patron use. At large venues like golf courses, performingmaintenance between patrons is extremely challenging because it isunclear where all of the patrons are at any given moment. Consequently,staff spend time waiting for patrons to complete sub-activities withinthe activity venue (such as a particular hole on a golf course).Likewise, patrons do not enjoy staff waiting for them to complete suchsub-activities because it diminishes their experience. This also resultsin both time and cost inefficiencies.

Maintenance superintendents who manage staff at large venues also havedifficulty doing so efficiently. They do not always know where the staffis physically located at the venue or the amount of time they spend inareas performing certain tasks. Superintendents also frequently do notknow where each piece of equipment is at any moment and must coordinateequipment usage through inefficient methods. This yields inefficienciesfor the venue in time and cost and ultimately the delivery of aconsistent experience for patrons.

SUMMARY

There is a need for a technological solution providing a management toolthat enables an improved experience for patrons at an activity venue andallows more time and cost efficient ways to manage/maintain a venue. Thepresent invention is directed toward further solutions to address thisneed, in addition to having other desirable characteristics.Specifically, there is a need for a technological solution that obtainsdata and tracks patrons within an activity venue in such a way thatenables real-time control of the patrons and their participation inactivities, provides predictive analytics related to gameplay and flowof traffic, and provides operators and patrons with informationnecessary to maximize a pace of play and thereby improve the experienceof the patrons at the activity venue. Moreover, there is a need for atechnological solution that maximizes a number or throughput of patronspaying to participate at the activity venue to increase revenue for theactivity venue. In particular, there is a need for a technologicalsolution that builds a connected venue to grow operator revenue and makethe activity more accessible to all patrons. For example, connection ofstaff, maintenance equipment, patrons, and the like, is needed in orderto orchestrate and manage large venues effectively and efficiently.Overall, there is a need to provide a technological solution to maximizepatron experiences while not intruding on the ability to participate inthe activities themselves.

Embodied in the present invention is a technological solution to thestated shortcomings of the prior and conventional systems, and in someinstances the lack of any system, process, or capability altogether.Specifically, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,a system for managing a plurality of patrons of an activity venue, theactivity venue including a plurality of sub-activities, is provided.Each sub-activity of the plurality of sub-activities has a point ofaccess for the plurality of patrons to embark on the sub-activity andthe point of access is recognized by the system. The system alsoincludes a plurality of patron sensor devices for disposition andtransportation throughout the activity venue by the plurality ofpatrons, each of the plurality of patron sensor devices includes alocation sensor configured to provide real-time location data indicatingthe location of the plurality of patron sensor devices within theactivity venue and a wireless communication device for communicationwith the wireless gateway, the communication including receiving thereal-time location data from the plurality of patron sensor devices,enabling the system to establish the real-time location of each of theplurality of patron sensor devices within the activity venue. The systemfurther includes a computing device in communication with the wirelessgateway, the computing device executing a tracking tool that receivesthe real-time location data for each of the plurality of patron sensordevices via the wireless gateway and transforms the real-time locationdata into predictive data indicating anticipated locations of each ofthe plurality of patron sensor devices within the activity venue atfuture times.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention,the activity venue is a golf course, the plurality of sub-activities areholes on the golf course, and the plurality of patrons are golfers onthe golf course. In accordance with aspects of the present invention,the computing device provides information related to at least one of:sub-activity time management, participant matching, live trafficcontrol, statistics related to the tracked movements of the plurality ofpatrons, predictive analytics of the plurality of patrons, layout of theactivity venue, and maintenance of the activity venue to at least anoperator of the activity venue. In accordance with aspects of thepresent invention, the computing device provides information related toat least one of: pace of play for the each sub-activities, sub-activitystart times, statistics, and weather to the plurality of patrons of theplurality of patron sensor devices within the activity venue. Theplurality of patron sensor devices can each comprise a light-emittingdiode (LED), the LED configured to change color based on an actual paceof a patron carrying the plurality of patron sensor devices relative toanother patron or group of patrons carrying one or more of the pluralityof patron sensor devices ahead of the patron and a target pace for thepatron.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the plurality ofpatron sensor devices each include an electronic ink (e-Ink) display,the e-Ink display configured to display a distance to another one of theplurality of patron sensor devices or distance to a venue asset tag. Inaccordance with aspects of the present invention, the displayed distanceis a distance to a pin with device venue asset tag on a current hole ona golf course. The plurality of patron sensor devices can each include apayment method stored on the plurality of patron sensor devices. Inaccordance with aspects of the present invention the plurality of patronsensor devices each comprise a motion sensor, and when the motion sensorfor a patron sensor device does not detect motion for a predefinedperiod of time, the patron sensor device enters a low power state, andupon a detection of motion, the patron sensor device is woken from thelow power state. Each of the plurality of patron sensor devices can beat least one of a golf bag tag, a key chain, a card, a club grip, and aball mark repair tool. In accordance with aspects of the presentinvention, the venue asset tag is in local communication with at leastone patron sensor device of the plurality of patron sensor devices andenables calculation of a distance between the venue asset tag and the atleast one patron sensor device without use of an intermediary device. Inaccordance with aspects of the present invention, the wireless gatewaycomprises a long range wide area network (LoRa) gateway.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the system includesone or more venue asset tags configured to communicate with the wirelessgateway and provide real-time location data for the one or more venueasset tags. One or more venue asset tags can be attachable to orintegrated into at least one of a flag stick, a golf cart, a piece ofmaintenance equipment, a maintenance vehicle, a yardage marker,sprinkler heads, and a sign. The one or more venue asset tags attachedto or integrated into the sprinkler heads are configured to monitor anoperating state of the sprinkler heads and turn on and off the sprinklerheads in response to receiving instructions from the computing device.The one or more venue asset tags attached to or integrated into themaintenance vehicle can be configured to detect vibration of themaintenance vehicle during operation and transmit a duration ofoperation to the computing device and the computing device optimizes amaintenance schedule for the maintenance vehicle based on the durationof operation. The computing device can be a cloud based computing deviceinfrastructure. The system can identify predictive gaps in usage of eachsub-activity based on the location data for each of the plurality ofpatron sensor devices, and the system can issue notifications ofrecommended points of access for sub-activities at future times havingthe identified predictive gaps in usage in such a way that maximizes anumber of the plurality of patrons engaging in each sub-activity of theplurality of sub-activities and minimizes a number of the plurality ofpatrons waiting to engage in usage of each sub-activity due to thesub-activity being utilized by other of the plurality of patrons.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system foroptimizing activity of golfers carrying one or more specialized mobilesensors throughout a golf course is provided. The system includes agateway configured to receive location data from the one or morespecialized mobile sensors. The system also includes a tracking toolconfigured to track movements of each of the one or more specializedmobile sensors over a period of time based on the received locationdata. The system further includes a data management tool configured toaggregate the received location data and the tracked movements todetermine instructions to optimize traffic patterns and reduce playtimesof the golfers on the golf course. The gateway is configured to transmitthe instructions to the one or more specialized mobile sensors and/or anoperator to implement optimized traffic patterns and reduce playtimes.In some implementations, the system the instructions provide informationrelated to placement location and placement time of the golfers on thegolf course.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system fortracking precise patron movement on a golf course is provided. Thesystem includes two or more virtual cages designated on each hole of thegolf course, the two or more cages are defined by geolocationboundaries. The system also includes a venue gateway device configuredto receive location data from the one or more specialized mobilesensors. The system further includes a data management tool configuredto identify when one of the one or more specialized mobile sensorscrosses into an area defined by one of the geolocation boundaries forone of the two or more cages based on the received location data. Thedata management tool is also configured to record a clock time of thecrossing and an identifier of the one of the one or more specializedmobile sensors and determine a pace of play for a patron carrying theone of the one or more specialized mobile sensors based on the recordedclock time. The data management tool is further configured to transmitinstructions to the one or more specialized mobile sensors and/or anoperator based on the determined pace of play.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the geolocationboundaries for the two or more virtual cages are positioned around a teeoff area and a green area on each hole of the golf course. Thegeolocation boundaries for the two or more virtual cages can bepositioned around at least one fairway area on at least one hole of thegolf course. The geolocation boundaries for the two or more virtualcages can be positioned at designated areas other than the tee off area,the green area, and the at least one fairway area.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the system furtherincludes at least two virtual arcs designated on each hole of the golfcourse. In some implementations, the at least two virtual arcs designatea position of geolocation boundaries for virtual cages on a fairway of ahole on the golf course, and wherein the position is identified bypoints in which two of the at least two virtual arcs overlap.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the recorded clocktime is recorded each time a patron enters and exits each of the two ormore virtual cages on the golf course. The pace of play of the patroncan be calculated by determining a difference of recorded clock timesfor each patron throughout the golf course. The pace of play of thepatron can be determined in accordance with TT(i,j)=T(i,j)−WW(i,j) wherei is a group number, j is a hole number, n is a cage number, TT(i,j) isa play time minus a wait time to play hole j by group i, T(i,j) is theactual time duration group i took to play hole j, and WW(i,j) is thetotal wait time for group i on hole j for all cages on hole j. Astatistical regression analysis can be performed on recorded clock timesfor patrons on the golf course to calculate a patron pace rating foreach of the patrons.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, locations ofpatrons on the golf course are tracked through identification ofrecorded clock times for the crossing of geolocation boundaries of thetwo or more virtual cages. The locations of patrons on the golf coursecan be utilized by the system for real-time adjustment of the tee timebased on current throughput.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a system formanaging maintenance tasks within an activity venue, the activity venueincluding a plurality of sub-activities, is provided. The systemincludes a wireless gateway and a plurality of patron sensor devices.The plurality of patron sensor devices are for disposition andtransportation throughout the activity venue by a plurality of patrons.Each of the plurality of patron sensor devices include a location sensorconfigured to provide real-time location and time data indicating thelocation of the plurality of patron sensor devices at different pointsin time within the activity venue. Each of the plurality of patronsensor devices also include a wireless communication device forcommunication with the wireless gateway, the communication includingtransmitting the real-time location and time data from the plurality ofpatron sensor devices to the wireless gateway, enabling the system toestablish a real-time location of each of the plurality of patron sensordevices within the activity venue. The system further includes acomputing device in communication with the wireless gateway. Thecomputing device executes a tracking tool that receives the real-timelocation and time data for each of the plurality of patron sensordevices via the wireless gateway and transforms the real-time locationand time data into predictive data indicating anticipated locations ofeach of the plurality of patron sensor devices within the activity venueat future times. The system identifies predictive gaps in usage of eachsub-activity of the plurality of sub-activities based on the locationand time data for each of the plurality of patron sensor devices.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the system issuesnotifications to one or more operator devices and/or sensors devicesassociated with staff members, recommending types of maintenance tasksto be performed during the predictive gaps in usage. In accordance withaspects of the present invention, the system further includes one ormore venue asset tags configured to communicate with the wirelessgateway and provide real-time location and time data for the one or morevenue asset tags. In accordance with aspects of the present invention,the one or more venue asset tags are attachable to or integrated into atleast one of a flag stick, a golf cart, a piece of maintenanceequipment, a maintenance vehicle, a yardage marker, sprinkler heads, anda sign. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the one ormore venue asset tags attached to or integrated into the sprinkler headsare configured to monitor an operating state of the sprinkler heads andturn on and off the sprinkler heads in response to receivinginstructions from the computing device. In accordance with aspects ofthe present invention, the one or more venue asset tags attached to orintegrated into the maintenance vehicle are configured to detectvibration of the maintenance vehicle during operation and transmit aduration of operation to the computing device and the computing deviceoptimizes a maintenance schedule for the maintenance vehicle based onthe duration of operation.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the computingdevice provides information related to at least one of: sub-activitytime management, participant matching, live traffic control, statisticsrelated to the tracked movements of the plurality of patrons, predictiveanalytics of the plurality of patrons, layout of the activity venue, andmaintenance of the activity venue to at least an operator of theactivity venue. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, thecomputing device provides information related to at least one of: paceof play for the each sub-activities, sub-activity start times,statistics, and weather, to the plurality of patrons of the plurality ofpatron sensor devices within the activity venue. In accordance withaspects of the present invention, the plurality of patron sensor deviceseach comprise an electronic ink (e-Ink) display, the e-Ink displayconfigured to display a distance to another one of the plurality ofpatron sensor devices or distance to a venue asset tag. In accordancewith aspects of the present invention, the plurality of patron sensordevices each include a motion sensor, and when the motion sensor for apatron sensor device does not detect motion for a predefined period oftime, the patron sensor device enters a low power state, and upon adetection of motion, the patron sensor device is woken from the lowpower state.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, each of theplurality of patron sensor devices can be at least one of a golf bagtag, a key chain, a card, a club grip, and a ball mark repair tool. Inaccordance with aspects of the present invention, a venue asset tag isin local communication with at least one patron sensor device of theplurality of patron sensor devices and enables calculation of a distancebetween the venue asset tag and the at least one patron sensor devicewithout use of an intermediary device. In accordance with aspects of thepresent invention, the wireless gateway comprises a long range wide areanetwork (LoRa) gateway. In accordance with aspects of the presentinvention, the computing device is a cloud based computing deviceinfrastructure. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, thesystem issues notifications of recommended points of access forsub-activities at future times having the identified predictive gaps inusage in such a way that maximizes a number of the plurality of patronsengaging in each sub-activity of the plurality of sub-activities andminimizes a number of the plurality of patrons waiting to engage inusage of each sub-activity due to the sub-activity being utilized byother of the plurality of patrons.

In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention,a method of tracking patron movement on a golf course is provided. Themethod including receiving location data and time data from one or morepatron sensor devices and one or more operator devices, the locationdata and time data triggered by an indication that one of the one ormore patron sensor devices has crossed into an area defined by ageolocation boundary for one of two or more cages designated on eachhole of the golf course. The method also including recording a clocktime of the crossing based on the time data, the location of thecrossing, and an identifier of the one of the one or more patron sensordevices. The method is further including determining a pace of play fora patron carrying the one of the one or more patron sensor devices basedon the location and the recorded clock time. The method also includestransmitting instructions to the one or more patron sensor devicesand/or the one or more operator devices based on the determined pace ofplay.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the instructionsare transmitted to the one of the one or more patron devices and arerelated to the patron being on pace or behind pace. In accordance withaspects of the present invention, the instructions are transmitted toone of the one or more operator devices and are related dispatchingmaintenance staff to a location based on pace of play for each patronassociated with the one or more patron sensor devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other characteristics of the present invention will be morefully understood by reference to the following detailed description inconjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustrative system for implementing the steps inaccordance with the aspects of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are illustrative architectures of the sensor device(s),in accordance with the aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3A is an illustrative flowchart depicting operation of the venuemanagement system, in accordance with aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3B is an illustrative flowchart depicting operation of themaintenance management system, in accordance with aspects of theinvention;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, and 4D are illustrative configurations for capturingprecise player movement data on a golf course, in accordance with theaspects of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an illustrative flowchart depicting operation of the venuemanagement system related to start times, in accordance with aspects ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is an illustrative flowchart depicting operation of the venuemanagement system related to pace of play, in accordance with aspects ofthe invention;

FIG. 7 is an illustrative flowchart depicting operation of the venuemanagement system related to pace of play, in accordance with aspects ofthe invention; and

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a high level architectureconfigured for implementing processes in accordance with aspects of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to trackinglocations and pace of play of patrons at an activity venue and providingthe patrons with feedback to manage their locations for an improved paceof play and improved overall throughput of patrons at the activityvenue. The present invention utilizes the locations of patrons andrelated objects in an activity venue to determine various metrics thatcan be used by patrons and operators of the venue to enhance the patronexperience through a reduction in wait times and a total amount of timeto complete an activity, while also optimizing the number of patronsthat can be effectively handled by the activity venue and the efficiencyby which staff can maintain the venue. Each patron, and other objectsbeing tracked, is provided with a sensor device configured to reportlocation information of that patron, or object, throughout the venue.The location information is relayed to a central venue device foranalysis. In accordance with one example embodiment, the location datais transmitted to a local or cloud computing infrastructure foranalysis. The local or cloud computing infrastructure can include a datamanagement tool configured to analyze the received data with a focus onevaluating crowds and other objects throughout a particular venue.

The local or cloud computing infrastructure can utilize a live (e.g.,real-time) look-in of the location data for all patrons to makedeterminations related to congestion and can record the locationinformation over time to accurately estimate wait times, predict futurepoints of congestion, or identify other issues. The live data andestimated wait times can be provided to patrons and operators at theactivity venue to inform each as to what can be expected at any giventime. In accordance with an example embodiment, each patron at theactivity venue can also be assigned a pace of play value, using acombination of the live location data and historically received locationdata for that patron. Using the pace of play value for all of thepatrons at a venue, the computing infrastructure can perform additionalanalysis of all the data and can predict a future flow of traffic toidentify potential trouble spots (e.g., areas where longer lines ordelays may be more likely to occur, bottlenecks, or potential upcomingvenue resources that are being underutilized and are therefore beingwasted). Once the computing infrastructure has performed the analysisand identified current points of congestion and any potential troublespots, mitigating instructions can be determined and proactively sent topatrons and operators at the venue as preventative measures.

As referenced above, the mitigating instructions can include identifyinggaps or underutilized areas of the activity venue and instructingoperators, staff, and/or patrons to begin activities at those areas. Inparticular, an activity venue can have multiple points of entry to beginan activity or sub-activity, the computing infrastructure can identifythe points of entry closest to the gaps or underutilized areas anddirect patrons to those points of entry. For example, a typical golfcourse has 18 holes, which can be viewed by the computing infrastructureas 18 separate points of entry to 18 separate sub-activities, eachsub-activity being one of the 18 holes. Based on the congestion ofgolfers (patrons) on the golf course, the computing infrastructure canrecommend that golfers tee off on holes that have a gap in play betweenexisting groups of patrons on the course. By distributing the golfersevenly throughout the 18 holes of the golf course, each golfer can playwith reduced wait times and experience a reduction in overall playtime.Additionally, by optimizing the number of golfers playing on a course atany given time, the computing infrastructure is able to maximize theprofitability for the activity venue by maximizing throughput. As wouldbe appreciated by one skilled in the art, an activity venue can includea number of activities and sub-activities, and each activity can alsoinclude sub-activities. For example, a venue can include a miniaturegolf course, and arcade, and concessions (activities or sub-activities),with the miniature golf course including a number of holes(sub-activities of activities or sub-activities).

Additionally, the identification of gaps or underutilized areas of theactivity venue can further be utilized for venue maintenance. Inparticular, the computing infrastructure can provide administrators andmaintenance staff of the activity venue with optimal locations anddurations of time for periodic maintenance of sub-activities within thevenue. For example, on a golf course gaps and the duration of the gapsbetween golfers can be identified and tagged for particular types ofmaintenance (e.g., watering, grass cutting, repairs, etc.). Thecomputing infrastructure can also recommend specific works and/or typesof maintenance to be performed within the identified gaps based on dataaggregated from throughout the venue.

Maintenance superintendents (e.g., operators) also benefit frominformation on how long their staff spends performing specific tasks, atspecific locations, and with what specific maintenance equipment. Thecomputing infrastructure and sensor device(s) associated with both staffand equipment report on staff location, equipment location,effectiveness, and ultimately serve as a dispatch system combined with amobile phone application used to present information to both supervisorsand staff. The computing infrastructure provides a dispatch system thatutilizes the patron data to recommend maintenance schedules andactivities that efficiently work around and in between patrons.

In addition to providing live traffic control, traffic prediction,maintenance instructions, and other proactive instructions, thecomputing infrastructure can also provide unique venue scheduling,flexible usage experiences, and revenue modeling platforms. Thecombination of tracking the location of patrons and identifying pointsof entry to avoid congestion, the computing infrastructure can enable apatron to pay per completed activity or sub-activity or pay for a periodof time. For example, if the patron only has a limited amount of time topartake in an activity, the patron can elect to pay per activity orsub-activity (e.g., pay for four holes of golf) or pay for a period oftime (e.g., pay for ninety minutes of golf). As a result of patronscarrying the sensor devices, the system of the present invention cantrack the patron and identify how many activities the patron hasparticipated in, or how long the patron has been active at the venue,and charge accordingly. As would be appreciated by one skilled in theart, the functionality of tracking live and historical location data forpatrons at an activity venue can be applied to any number of metrics tooptimize gameplay speed, reduce wait times, maximize scheduling,maximizing revenue, and enhance the overall patron entertainmentexperience.

FIGS. 1 through 8, wherein like parts are designated by like referencenumerals throughout, illustrate an example embodiment or embodiments ofthe patron management system, according to the present invention.Although the present invention will be described with reference to theexample embodiment or embodiments illustrated in the figures, it shouldbe understood that many alternative forms can embody the presentinvention. One of skill in the art will additionally appreciatedifferent ways to alter the parameters of the embodiment(s) disclosed ina manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative environment for implementing aspects ofthe present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 depicts a computing system100 for use in conjunction with an activity venue to obtain data relatedto patrons and staff within the activity venue. The system 100 isconfigured to utilize the obtained data to manage the patrons, thestaff, and the activities or sub-activities throughout the activityvenue. In particular, the system 100 can obtain and aggregate datarelated to location and times (e.g., via timestamp, clock time, etc.)associated with locations for each patron, staff member, and operatorwithin a venue. In accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention, the system 100 includes a venue gateway 12, a data managementtool 14, and a telecommunication network 16. Additionally, the system100 includes one or more specialized mobile sensors. The one or morespecialized mobile sensors include a plurality of sensor device(s) 10,operator device(s) 18, and patron device(s) 20, for example, such as amobile device or other computing device as later described herein.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesensor device(s) 10 can be specialized devices with specializedfunctions providing location information of patrons, staff, and/orobjects and providing information back to patrons or staff carrying thesensor device(s) 10 in a non-intrusive manner. The sensor device(s) 10can include, as discussed in greater detail in FIG. 2A, amicrocontroller (MCU) 202, a transceiver 204 with antenna, a globalpositioning system (GPS) locator 206, a battery power source 208, alight emitting diode (LED) 210, and a display, such as a low powerdisplay (e.g., an electronic ink (e-Ink) display). The device sensor(s)10 are configured to gather location data for the device and transmitthe location data to a venue gateway device 12. As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the device sensor(s) 10 can also transmitadditional data along with the location data. For example, the devicesensor(s) 10 can also include timestamp and identifier data associatedwith the device sensor(s) 10 to be transmitted to the venue gatewaydevice 12.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thelocation and time data is transmitted from each of the sensor device(s)10 to the venue gateway device 12 over a wireless network, such as forexample, a long range wide area network (LoRa). In particular, thelocation and time data is transmitted over a narrow band radio frequency(RF) telecommunication network 16 (such as, for example, LoRa). As wouldbe appreciated by one skilled in the art, the location and time data canbe transmitted over any suitable communication platform known in the art(e.g., cellular network, narrow band radio frequency, Wi-Fi, LoRa,etc.). The venue gateway device 12 can be a computing device similarlystructured to the sensor device(s) 10, it can be a general purposecomputer specifically configured, or it can be a specialized computersystem operable to communicate with the sensor device(s) 10. Forexample, as would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the venuegateway device 12 can include a single computing device, a collection ofcomputing devices in a network computing system, a cloud computinginfrastructure, or a combination thereof. In accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention, the venue gateway device 12 is acentralized LoRa device operable to communicate with and aggregate datafrom each of the sensor device(s) 10 throughout the activity venue.

The venue gateway device 12 can also be configured to communicate with acloud based data management tool 14. In particular, the venue gatewaydevice 12 can communicate the location and time data received from thesensor device(s) 10 to the data management tool 14 for additionalprocessing. For example, the computing devices (venue gateway device 12,cloud based data management tool 14) can be configured to establish aconnection and communicate over a telecommunication network 16. As wouldbe appreciated by one of skill in the art, the telecommunication network16 can include any combination of known networks. For example, thetelecommunication network 16 can be combination of a mobile network,WAN, LAN, or other type of network. The telecommunication network 16 canbe used to exchange data between the venue gateway device 12 and thedata management tool 14.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 can be a cloud computing and storage environmentconfigured to collect, aggregate, analyze, and provide metrics usinglocation and time data received from various activity venues. The datamanagement tool 14 can also include a database management systemutilizing a given database model configured to interact with a user foranalyzing the database data. Additionally, the data management tool 14can analyze the collected location data, time data, and otherinformation to distribute instructions and/or feedback information tothe venue gateway device 12 and/or the sensor device(s) 10 (e.g.,operator device(s) 18 and/or patron device(s) 20).

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecomputing and database storage environment of the data management tool14 performs analytics through a web application and delivers the resultsof the analytics through the web to user devices. For example, thedelivered data can inform users of venue usage, pace of play of thepatrons, live traffic control, predicted potential traffic issues,identified bottlenecks, visibility of the entire activity venue and allpatrons, staff and security within the physical space of the activityvenue, maintenance request, outstanding maintenance, ideallocations/items for maintenance, security or other analytics. As wouldbe appreciated by one skilled in the art, live traffic control can be arepresentation of a flow of traffic of individuals or subgroups ofindividuals throughout the activity venue. The individuals can be anycombination of patrons, operators, and staff members at the activityvenue.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the analyzed data can also beused to implement different revenue models. The analyzed data can beused to implement revenue models based on duration, on completing anumber of sub-activities at the activity venue, or supply and demand.For example, patrons on a golf course can pay per hole or pay per anamount of time on the golf course, regardless of the number of holescompleted (e.g., ninety minutes). Similarly, the data management tool 14can adjust prices based on a number, or projected number, of patrons atthe venue. For example, during slow periods, the prices can be reducedto attract patrons.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the operator device(s) 18and/or patron device(s) 20 can be secondary computing devices used tosupplement the other components of the system 100. For example, theoperator device(s) 18 and/or patron device(s) 20 can be mobile computingdevices (e.g., smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart watch, etc.) or genericcomputing devices (e.g., desktop) used by patrons and operators,respectively, to access the system 100 and the data stored thereon. Aswould be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the operator device(s)18 and/or patron device(s) 20 can communicate with the data managementtool 14 and/or the venue gateway device 12 over the telecommunicationnetwork 16 to access information provided by the system 100 through theuse mobile/software applications, accessing through a webpage, or acombination thereof. In accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention, the venue gateway device 12 and one of the operatordevice(s) 18 is the same device. As would be appreciated by one skilledin the art, the operator device(s) 18 and/or patron device(s) 20 are notnecessary for the overall operations of the system 100, but arepotentially useful to supplement the user experience (e.g., patrons oroperators) of the overall system 100.

In particular, the operator device(s) 18 and/or patron device(s) 20 caninclude software (e.g., mobile apps, software applications, etc.)configured to receive and display data received from the data managementtool 14. In accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention, each of the operator device(s) 18 and/or patron device(s) 20receive information tailored to the types of users using the respectivedevices. In particular, the operator device(s) 18 receive informationrelating to operations of that particular activity venue (e.g.,maintenance) and the patron device(s) 20 are operable to receiveinformation relating patrons of the activity venue and patron experience(e.g., location within the venue, time, pace of play, etc.). Forexample, the operator device(s) 18 can receive data related to bookingappointments for the patrons, live traffic control, pace of play ofpatrons at the activity venue, patron notifications, activity venue andsub-activities usage data, information related to maintenance,maintenance requests, time(s) and location(s) to perform maintenance,and operational statistics of the activity venue. Similarly, the patrondevice(s) 20 can receive data related to appointment booking, digitalcheck-in and start times, unique revenue model pricing, pace of playpredictor (e.g., projected start/finish time), live venue traffic map,and ratings for the activity venue, among other information. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the information provided to theoperator device(s) 18 and patron device(s) 20 can be accessed through aspecific application designed for the particular operator device 18 orpatron device 20 or the operator device 18 and patron device 20 can useexisting applications to access the information (e.g., access a webpagethrough a web browser on the patron device 20).

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesensor device(s) 10 can be associated with one or more of the patrondevice(s) 20. The data management tool 14 can be configured to determinethat one or more patron device(s) 20 have been linked with a particularsensor device 10. For example, a patron can use their patron device 20to enter identifier(s) of the sensor device(s) 10 that are currentlybeing used by the patron, the patron device 20 can be paired with aparticular sensor device 10 (e.g., Bluetooth), or the patron canpurchase a sensor device 10 for repeated use and register their device.When a sensor device 10 has been identified and/or registered by thepatron, the data management tool 14 can link the sensor device 10 withthe patron device 20, and thus a patron user, within the system 100. Aswould be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the patron device(s) 20and sensor device(s) 10 can be automatically or manually unlinked upon adetermination that the patron is no longer using the sensor device(s) 10(e.g., the patron has left the activity venue). When sensor device(s) 10have been linked with one or more patron device(s) 20, data can betransmitted to all linked devices 10, 20 by the data management tool 14(e.g., directly or via the venue gateway device 12) and/or the devices10, 20 can share data between one another. For example, if the sensordevice 10 has received an indication of a slow pace of play, via thevenue gateway device 12, the patron device(s) 20 can similarly receivethe same indication directly from the data management tool 14.Alternatively, only the sensor device 10 receives the indication fromthe data management tool 14 and subsequently relays the indication topatron device(s) 20.

Continuing with FIG. 1, the system 100 includes various combinations ofthe sensor device(s) 10 being unlinked or linked with patron device(s)20, as reflected in combinations 22 a, 22 b, 22 c. In accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention, the sensor device(s) 10cannot be linked to any patron device(s) 20 as depicted by 22 a. Theunlinked sensor device(s) 10 can be venue asset devices 22 a or venueasset tags unassociated with any patron device(s) 20. For example, thesensor device 10, as depicted by 22 a, has not been registered with thedata management tool 14 by a patron but with an object and the sensordevice 10 is attached to the object associated with the activity venue(e.g., a golf flag). Alternatively, the sensor device(s) 10 can belinked to a single patron device 20, as depicted by 22 b. For example, asingle patron has identified/registered the sensor device(s) 10 with thedata management tool 14 (e.g., a patron registered a bag tag sensordevice 10 attached to their golf bag). Additionally, the sensordevice(s) 10 can further be linked to a plurality of patron device(s)20, as depicted by 22 c. For example, a party of patrons registers theirrespective patron device(s) 20 with the same sensor device(s) 10 andrelays the combination to the data management tool 14 (e.g., a group offour golfers sharing a golf cart with a key chain sensor device 10).

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, staffand operators within the venue can be associated with sensor device(s)10 and/or associated with operator device(s) 18. Similarly to trackinglocations and times associated with the locations for patrons, the datamanagement tool 14 can track the location and time spent at locationsfor staff and operators associated with the sensor device(s) 10 and/oroperator device(s) 18. Additionally, the data management tool 14 cantrack which staff members and operators associated with the sensordevice(s) 10 and/or operator device(s) 18 are currently assigned toperform a task (e.g., maintenance), performing a task, waiting to beassigned a task, etc. Accordingly, the data management tool 14 utilizesthe sensor device(s), patron device(s) 20, operator device(s) 18 toaggregate all the location and time related data for both patrons andstaff/operators throughout the venue. The data management tool 14 canutilize the aggregated data to perform further analytics and executeinstructions in response to those analytics, as discussed in greaterdetail herein. For example, the data management tool 14 can determinelocations for all patrons within a venue, identify gaps between patrons,and assign patrons to those gaps or assign staff members to performrequested maintenance within the identified gaps.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict example architectures of the sensor device 10, asdiscussed with respect to FIG. 1. As discussed herein, the sensor device10 can include a combination of known components including amicrocontroller (MCU) 202, a transceiver 204, a global positioningsystem (GPS) locator 206, a battery power source 208, an LED 210, and anelectronic ink (e-Ink) display 212. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the components of the sensor device 10 can besubstituted with components configured to perform the same functionalityas the components included in FIGS. 2A and 2B and can also includeadditional components to add customized and/or improved functionalityfor a given activity venue. For example, the sensor device 10 caninclude a charging port 214 to recharge the battery power source 208, amotion detection module to detect motion, a payment component (e.g., asmart chip), or other additional components. Similarly, the sensordevice 10 can omit components to add customization and/or improvedfunctionality for a given activity venue. For example, the sensor device10 integrated within golf flags may not require a display device becausethe sensor device(s) 10 for golf flags are primarily designed to give areference location of a flag. Accordingly, the sensor device 10 forflags can be designed to without a display to reduce cost and powerusage.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theMCU 202 is configured to perform any computations and data collectionthat are required by the sensor device 10. The transceiver 204 isconfigured to perform wireless transmission and reception of data withone or more other devices. For example, the transceiver 204 can be longrange wide area network device (LoRa) to transmit data to the venuegateway device 12. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the transceiver 204 can be operable to communicate over any combinationof communication mediums including but not limited to Wi-Fi, cellular,radio frequency technologies, etc. In accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention, the sensor device(s) 10 isconfigured to receive information from the venue gateway device 12, thedata management tool 14, operator device(s) 18, patron device(s) 20, andfrom other sensor device(s) 10 through the transceiver 204. The GPSlocator 206 is configured to determine and exchange location data of thesensor device 10 with the MCU 202 for transmission by the transceiver204 to venue gateway device 12. For example, location data obtained bythe GPS locator 206 can be transmitted, via the transceiver 204,periodically, (e.g., every 20 seconds) to the venue gateway device 12.

Continuing with FIGS. 2A and 2B, the battery power source 208 providespower to the sensor device 10. For example, the battery power source 208can be one or more Li-ion batteries. In accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention, the battery power source 208 isalso configured to conserve power usage. For example, the battery powersource 208 can be configured to supply power upon detection of motion ofthe sensor device 10 (e.g., via a motion detection device) and return tostandby mode when the sensor device 10 is not in use (e.g., no motion isdetected). As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the motiondetection device can include an accelerometer, gyroscope, or other typeof motion detection device known in the art. In accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention, motion can also be detectedby identifying a change in location of the sensor device 10. Forexample, using the GPS locator 206, a determination that the sensordevice 10 has moved to a new location. The change in locationdetermination can be used in place of a motion detection device withinthe sensor device 10, or in conjunction with a motion detection deviceas a redundancy or for verification.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the sensor device(s) 10 arealso operable to receive and convey information and notifications to thepatrons throughout the activity venue. In particular, the information ornotifications can be conveyed to the patron carrying the sensor device10 through a variety of visual cues. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the information or notifications can be displayed tothe patrons on a display, such as a low energy display, including ane-Ink type display 212, or can be conveyed to the patrons through acolor display/change of the LED 210 on the sensor device 10. Forexample, the e-Ink type display 212 can display a distance to anothersensor device 10 (e.g., a flag stick at a hole on a golf course).Similarly, the LED 210 can change the displayed color to reflect how thepatron is doing on their pace relative to other patrons, as determinedby the data management tool 14 (e.g., green can reflect that the patronis ahead of the pace, yellow can reflect that the patron is on pace, orred can reflect that the patron is behind the pace). For example, if thedata management tool 14 determines that the patron is moving at a paceslower than the pace established by patrons in front of and/or behindthe patron, the LED will indicate the appropriate color for a slow pace.In accordance with an example embodiment, the LED color can reflect apatron's pace by comparing their progress in a given activity orsub-activity against a benchmark. For example, on a golf course, eachhole has a par time (e.g., 15 minutes to complete a par 3 hole) and if apatron takes longer than a certain amount of time over the par time thelight will change to reflect that they are over the par time (e.g., byturning the LED color to yellow or red).

In accordance with an example embodiment, the e-Ink type display 212 isconfigured to carry out the same functions as discussed related to theLED 210. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, in theabsence of an LED 210, the functions of the LED 210 can be executedand/or displayed by the e-Ink type display 212. For example, if a patronis behind a predicted pace of play and has a sensor device 10 that isonly equipped with an e-Ink type display 212, then the e-Ink typedisplay 212 can display the color red (or text) to indicate to thepatron that they are behind the pace. Additionally, the e-Ink typedisplay 212 or LED can be used to provide visual cues to staff workingat the activity venue, For example, if there is a gap on at a certainlocation within the venue, a visual cue can be provide to the staff tobe dispatched with certain equipment by sending a message to the e-Inktype display 212 and/or to a staff mobile application (e.g., on theoperation device(s) 18).

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesensor device(s) 10 also includes a button 216 to be used by a patron toinitiate various functions on the sensor device(s) 10. For example, thebutton 216 can be an electromechanical button, or a touch sensitivebutton, that when pressed causes the sensor device(s) 10 displayinformation to the patron. In accordance with an example embodiment ofthe present invention, pushing the button 216 causes the sensordevice(s) 10 to initiate a call to the venue gateway device 12,requesting information and requested information is subsequentlyreceived from the venue gateway device 12 for display on the sensordevice(s) 10 (e.g., via the LED 210, e-Ink type display 212, orcombination thereof). For example, a golfer (e.g., patron) pushes thebutton 216 on a sensor device 10 during a round of golf to request adistance to a pin at the current hole. The venue gateway device 12device can use the location information obtained from the golfer'ssensor device 10 and the sensor device 10 attached to the pin at thegolfer's current hole to determine the distance from the patron to thepin and return the value to the golfers sensor device 10 for display. Aswould be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the button 216 can beused to initiate other functionality. For example, pressing the buttoncan allow a patron to toggle through views on the display device (e.g.,menus, options, information, hole information, etc.), view a currentpace for the patron, view current charges applied to the patron's timeat the activity venue, etc.

Continuing with FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with an exampleembodiment, the components of the sensor device 10 are all included in acompact non-intrusive sized device (e.g., about 80 mm×48 mm×18 mm insize). The sensor devices 10 are designed as a purpose specific hardwaredevice having a non-intrusive size as to not to detract from the userexperience during an activity or sub-activity at an activity venue. Forexample, the sensor device 10 can be created in the form of a golf bagtag, key chain, a card, club grips, ball mark repair tools, ski tags ortickets, and an attachable device to a flag stick. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the sensor device 10 can becustomizable for the particular activity venue in which they are beingapplied. For example, a golf course may have key chain sensor device 10for each of the golf carts, golf bag tags sensor device 10 for eachpatron's golf bag, and an attachable device to a flag stick sensordevice 10 attached to the flag at each hole on the course. Accordingly,the system 100 can utilize location data from all of the key chains, bagtags, and flags to provide analysis and provide the appropriate feedbackto operators, staff, and patrons. The use of multiple compact sensordevices 10 can provide operators, staff, and patrons with a full view ofall the activities and sub-activities occurring at the activity venue ata particular point in time.

In operation, patrons, operators, and staff at an activity venue areprovided with sensor device(s) 10 and the sensor device(s) 10 providelocation data, time data, and other information (e.g., trackinglocation, timestamps, identifiers, etc.) related to the patrons and/orstaff to a venue gateway device 12. The venue gateway device 12transmits all collected location data, time data, and other collectedtracking data or information to the data management tool 14. The datamanagement tool 14 is operable to aggregate and analyze the data andprovide feedback to the patrons, staff, and/or operators at the activityvenue, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the received data management tool14 can collect data from multiple activity venue gateway devices atmultiple different activity venues to be used during the analytics. Forexample, the data management tool 14 can collect data from multiple golfcourses and use the data from each of the golf courses in order to determine certain metrics during the analysis. Based on the metricsdetermined during the analysis, the data management tool 14 can providefeedback to the sensor device(s) 10, the gateway venue device(s) 12, theoperator device(s) 18, and/or patron device(s) 20. The feedback providesthe patrons, staff, and operators with the information necessary toreduce waits during activities, optimally maintain the venue itself, andmaximize profitability for the activity venue. As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the analysis performed on the collected datacan be modified and utilized by a variety of metrics tailored todifferent activity venues (e.g., golf parks, skiing, amusement parks,etc.).

As discussed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the data management tool14 utilizes the collected location and time data from the sensordevice(s) 10 (and optionally operator device(s) 18) throughout anactivity venue to analyze usage of the venue and provide feedback basedon the venue usage to operators, staff, and/or patrons. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the data management tool 14provides feedback to the patrons and staff (via the sensor device(s) 10,patron device(s) 20, and/or operator device(s) 18). The feedback relatedto venue usage can include providing staff/operators and patrons withinstructions to proactively avoid potential congestion, relievecongestion at the activity venue, and/or providing identification ofgaps for use by the operators (e.g., assign patrons to relievecongestion, dispatch staff to perform maintenance, etc.). Theinstructions are data driven actionable recommendations responsive toanalytics on the venue usage performed by the data management tool 14.The analytics on usage include identifying gaps in time between patronsand further identifying points of entry into the activity venueapproximate to those gaps.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, ifthe data management tool 14 determines that there is a high volume ofpatrons at a particular location within the activity venue, then thedata management tool 14 instructs the operators to place incomingpatrons to a point of entry at another location within the activityvenue. For example, if there is a high volume of golfers (e.g., patrons)at the first couple holes of an 18 hole golf course, the data managementtool 14 instructs the operator at the golf course to assign incominggolfers start their game at hole 9 instead of hole 1, so as to notinterfere with golfers already on the course.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 is configured to provide traffic optimization ofpatrons throughout an activity venue. The data management tool 14utilizes collected location and time data from the patrons throughout anactivity venue to perform analytics related to predicting gaps in usage,identifying bottlenecks, recognizing issues in usage, and estimatingwait times. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, theprediction and identification includes predicting gaps, delays, and/orbottlenecks for a particular time of day, day of the week, time of year,etc. In addition to the analytics, the data management tool 14 generatesmetrics to resolve the issues identified by the analytics. For example,the data management tool 14 can identify areas of congestions and/orcauses of congestions and take steps to mitigate the congestions and/orcauses of congestion. The main functionality provided by the datamanagement tool 14 is directed to maximizing usage of the activity venueand minimizing wait times while maximizing revenue.

Similarly, the data management tool 14 can provide operators, staff, andpatrons with feedback displaying live data without the user having tomake in person observations of an entire activity venue space (e.g.,walking/driving around an entire space). The live traffic can be used toestimate wait times and/or a pace to complete the current activity orsub-activity for a patron or group of patrons. The live traffic andestimated times can assist the operators and patrons to identifypotential points of congestion, while also assisting to identify areaswith low congestion for use to relieve congestion or schedulemaintenance tasks to be performed. Overall, the live traffic and timeestimates can give patrons and operators visibility into current venueusage/traffic.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 is configured to provide identification of gapsat particular locations and times by analyzing the traffic patterns ofthe patrons within the venue. The data management tool 14 can identifyparticular gaps that are ideal for performing venue maintenance. Inparticular, the data management tool 14 utilizes collected location andtime data from patrons and staff throughout an activity venue to performanalytics related to predicting gaps in the venue usage and instead ofassigning patrons to the gaps to relieve congestion, the data managementtool 14 provides instructions to dispatch maintenance staff to perform aparticular type of maintenance at a location during the gap or anupcoming predicted gap. The types of maintenance to be performed caninclude performing repairs, executing architectural changes to thevenue, routine maintenance, cleaning, etc.

Additionally, based on a predicted duration of the gap (e.g., based onpredicted patron pace of play), the data management tool 14 can assign aparticular maintenance task, and corresponding equipment, based on aduration of time it typically takes to perform the particularmaintenance task. In particular, the data management tool 14 can predictwhen a gap will be available at a particular location within the venue,how long the gap will be available, and assign a maintenance member/teamto perform a particular task within that gap while indicating how muchtime they have to perform the maintenance. Similarly, the datamanagement tool 14 can dispatch maintenance equipment to be used by themaintenance member for the particular task. The data management tool 14can also track the amount of time dispatched staff members and specificequipment (e.g., golf carts, lawn mowers, etc.) spend at a locationand/or within the gaps. Based on how much time has passed and predictedpace of play metrics, the data management tool 14 can alert the staffmember as to how much time they have left before patrons are in thatarea. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the staffmembers can provide updates to the data management tool 14 for a statusof the maintenance task and/or that the maintenance task has beencompleted. Using the update information from the staff, the datamanagement tool 14 can update information accordingly (e.g., remove thetask from a list of tasks to be performed, dispatch the staff to a newlocation, notify the staff that time is limited to complete the task,etc.).

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 can track maintenance being performed within thevenue. In particular, the data management tool 14 is configured to trackmaintenance tasks as well as assign/dispatch maintenance tasks to becompleted based on analytics of staff and patrons throughout the venue.The tracking of maintenance tasks can include managing a list ofmaintenance tasks to be performed, receiving requested maintenance tasksfrom users (e.g., operators, staff, or patrons), tracking maintenancetasks being performed, scheduling maintenance, receiving updates frommaintenance staff, tracking locations of maintenance equipment, etc.Additionally, the tracking can include tracking staff members performingthe maintenance tasks, scheduled to perform the maintenance task(s), oridle staff members unassigned to any tasks.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention,tracking staff members performing maintenance tasks (and relatedequipment) is related to tracking how long it takes the staff member(s)to perform a particular task and determining the efficiency of the staffmember(s) based on aggregated data. For example, the data managementtool can compare an amount of time it takes a staff member to complete aparticular maintenance task and compares it against aggregated data andaverages of time that all staff members took to perform the particulartask across the venue or a plurality of venues. In particular, the datamanagement tool 14 establishes benchmarks for an amount of timeparticular tasks take staff members to complete by tracking an amount oftime spent in particular areas that were assigned/dispatched formaintenance. The benchmarks are utilized by the data management tool 14to determine the efficiency of one staff member compared to one or moreother staff members. For example, the data management tool 14 can trackan amount of time a staff member spends located at a bunker of a hole ona golf course when the staff member is dispatched to rack the bunker.The tracked time can be utilized thereafter with the aggregated bunkerraking times from other staff members or compared to the aggregatedraking times to rate the staff member's efficiency.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the data management tool 14 isconfigured to maintain historical tracked activity (e.g., location andtime data), in addition to the data, for each of the patrons. Inparticular, the data management tool 14 can utilize a tracking tool tomonitor the locations of via the sensor device(s) 10, patron device(s)20, and/or operator device(s) 18 throughout the activity venue. Thetracking tool receives, monitors, and stores the locations for each ofthe devices throughout the venue and associates the location andtimestamps with the identifiers associated with each respectivedevice(s). The historical data is used in conjunction with the live datato create metrics for an improved analysis. For example, the historicaldata can be used to more accurately determine estimated wait times,identify gaps or predicted gaps, typical pace of patrons, a typicalduration to perform a particular form of maintenance, and providepatrons with an expected completion time of the activity or sub-activityat the venue.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the historical data collectedfor each sensor device 10 and/or operator device 18 can be utilized bythe data management tool 14 to determine and assign a pace of play toeach patron, and thereafter, perform other analytics and metrics (e.g.,for maintenance). The pace of play, as determined by the data managementtool 14, is a relative pace of a patron as it relates to a pace ofgroups ahead/behind of the patron over a period of time. Based on thedetermined pace of play for each of the patrons, the data managementtool 14 can forecast future paces, wait times, identify gaps, andbottleneck issues before they occur. In accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention, patrons can also access to personalpace data (e.g., on their patron device(s) 20). As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the patron device(s) 20 can also be used tostore and access additional historic data recorded during their time atan activity venue. For example, the patron device(s) 20 can be used todisplay scheduling, historic performance statistics for the patron, upto date time estimates and other information.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the determined pace of play isconveyed by the data management tool 14 to the operators, staff, and/orpatrons to proactively mitigate the predicted wait times, potentialbottleneck issues, and other issues. Similarly, the determined pace ofplay and locations of the patrons throughout the venue also enables thedata management tool 14 to perform other analytics for use throughoutthe venue. For example, the data management tool 14 can utilize the paceof play and locations of patrons to identify locations of gapsthroughout the venue and calculate a duration of time those gaps willremain until a patron occupies that location. The identified gaps canfurther be utilized by the data management tool 14 to perform othertasks, including but not limited to assigning patrons to those gaps,assigning staff members to perform maintenance tasks during those gaps,etc.

As discussed with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2B, the pace of play for apatron can be conveyed to the patron through the use of the LED 210 ontheir sensor device 10 (e.g., red means that the patron is behind therelative pace of the patrons ahead). The indication that a patron isbehind pace can motivate the patron to pick up their pace and get onpace relative to patrons in front and behind them. When a patron picksup their pace, then the overall flow of activity throughout the activityvenue is increased. In accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention, the patrons are presented with incentives to keeptheir pace on pace or ahead of pace relative to the patrons ahead. Forexample, if a patron regularly maintains a good pace they are givendiscounts or earn reward points for use with the activity venue.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 conveys a derived relative pace of play to thepatrons throughout the activity venue. The relative pace of play isdetermined by measuring the pace of play for a particular patron withrespect to the pace of play of other patrons ahead of the patron plus anamount of time expected to complete a particular activity orsub-activity. Utilizing both the pace of play of a particular patron inrelation to other patrons ahead and/or behind the particular patron andan overall expected time to complete an activity or sub-activity enablesthe data management tool 14 to accurately gauge how each patron isprogressing in relation to outside factors. For example, the datamanagement tool 14 can utilize the relative pace of play to determinewhether a patron is behind a pace because of a slow level of personalprogress or if the patron is being held up by other patron(s) ahead ofthem, causing the patron to wait, thus slowing the patron's pace ofplay. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the relativepace of play can also be used to enhance how the pace of play isconveyed to the patron (e.g., through the LED 210 or e-Ink type display212). For example, if the data management tool 14 determines that a slowpace of play for a patron is a result of having to wait for otherpatron(s) ahead of the patron, then the data management tool 14 will notsend a behind pace of play indication (e.g., through display of thecolor red on the LED 210 and/or e-Ink type display 212) to the patron.Accordingly, only patrons that are behind a pace of play and free fromdelays caused by other patrons will be provided with a behind pace ofplay indication.

In accordance with an example embodiment, the relative pace of play canbe used as part of s scoring system to evaluate a patron's success levelof usage at the activity venue. For example, the scoring system caninclude a plus or minus evaluation reflecting the patron's successcompleting an activity or sub-activities. If the data management tool 14determines that the patron is on or ahead of the relative pace on aparticular sub-activity, then the patron's plus or minus success levelis incremented by one. In contrast, if the data management tool 14determines that the patron is behind the relative pace on a particularsub-activity, then the patron's plus or minus success level isdecremented by one. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the patron will not be given a negative value when their reduced pace iscaused by a factor outside of their control (e.g., slow pace of otherpatrons ahead of the patron). This determination can be made by the datamanagement tool 14 using the relative pace of play for the patrons. Oncethe patron has completed a group of particular sub-activities, theplus/minus score is tallied. Based on the final plus/minus score, thepatron can see if they have an overall positive score, negative score,or even score that reflects the level of success completing the activityin an expected period of time.

Additionally, based in part on pace of play determinations and locationsof patrons, proactive instructions can be conveyed to the operatorsand/or staff to mitigate potential bottleneck issues and/or performmaintenance. In accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention, the data management tool 14 can determine and conveyappropriate patron spacing to the operator (e.g., via operator device(s)18). For example, the data management tool 14 can instruct the operatorto increase patron start time spacing to 13 minutes for the next hour.Similarly, the data management tool 14 can instruct the operator ordirectly warn patrons (e.g., via sensor device(s) 10 and/or patrondevice(s) 20) participating in a particular activity or sub-activitythat they may have to skip an activity or sub-activity if their pacedoes not improve. For example, patrons on the 9th hole of a golf coursecan be warned that they will have to skip a hole if they don't improvepace by 10 minutes.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theproactive instructions related to patron positioning can take intoaccount maintenance tasks being performed or scheduled to be performed.For example, if a particular identified gap is ideal for requiredmaintenance, then the maintenance assignment will be prioritized overthe assignment of a patron to relieve congestion and staff will bedispatched to perform the maintenance assignment. The priority can beadjusted according to user preference, a level of congestion, etc.Similarly, more or less spacing between patron start times can beadjusted to account for maintenance being performed or to be performed.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 provides pre-emptive mitigating instructions toan operator to prevent potential issues. The data management tool 14utilizes historic data and live location and time data of patrons whenprioritizing a point of entry and start times for patrons. For example,if a patron historically takes an hour to complete an activity orsub-activity at the activity venue, then the data management tool 14recommends allocating a larger space (e.g., tee off time) between thatparticular patron and the next patron and/or place the particular patronat a point of entry with a larger gap. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the data management tool 14 can also schedule starttimes and points of entry based on historic data, projected paces, andlive traffic, as discussed herein, to prevent potential issues.Similarly, the data management tool 14 can also schedule maintenance tobe performed based on any combination of historical and live locationand time data.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 enables patrons to have flexible schedulingmethodologies not offered in traditional system. Reservations forparticipating at an activity venue are booked based on an amount of timeavailable to the patrons. For example, golfers are able to use a teetime system to book golf by the amount of time they have to play (e.g.,ninety minutes) or a number of holes not equal to the typical nine oreighteen hole construct. This flexible scheduling allows golfers to plantheir play around their busy schedules and play more frequently, thusincreasing revenue for the golf course. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, these methodologies can be applied to other types ofactivities as well.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 is configured to perform revenue optimizationsin conjunction with the traffic/scheduling optimization for an activityvenue. The revenue optimization can include metrics for balancing supplyand demand of patrons participating at the activity venue for a givenperiod of time and maintenance tasks to be performed for maximizedrevenue. For example, the data management tool 14 can identify periodsof time that are historically busy or underutilized and charging apremium during busy periods, or providing a discount duringunderutilized periods of time. Similarly, the data management tool 14can schedule and/or dispatch staff for routine maintenance and lowpriority maintenance tasks to be performed during lower utilizationperiods while limiting only high priority/critical maintenance to beperformed during high utilization of the venue. Additionally, the datamanagement tool 14 can also take the predetermined pace of play for theparticipating patrons into account along with the supply and demand. Therevenue optimization can include combining an optimal price point forperiods of time and an optimal throughput of the patrons, used inconjunction with the traffic control metrics. For example, the datamanagement tool 14 recommends greens fee pricing for busy times basedupon target pace and other factors in order to decrease) demand duringthe busy times. As a result, the overall revenue during these times willincrease.

Once a revenue optimization has been determined, the data managementtool 14 provides instructions to operators and staff members (e.g., viathe operator device(s) 18) at the activity venue to implement theoptimizations and/or scheduled maintenance tasks. The instructions caninclude a target price or price range, time periods for schedulingpatron start times (e.g., how much time to schedule between patrons tooptimize traffic flow), and time periods/locations to perform particularmaintenance tasks. The instructions allow the operators to implement themodeled pricing to drive the appropriate demand and income that willyield a target pace during busy times and a different target priceduring less busy times. Similarly, the instructions provide operatorsorganized maintenance schedules for maintaining the venue withoutinterfering with patrons participating at the venue. In addition todetermining a target price point based on patron and venue activitylevels, the data management tool 14 can recommend offers to engagepatrons and give the activity venue the enhance customer relationships.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 is also configured to use patron trackedactivities to provide payment solutions to the activity venue. Asdiscussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor device(s) 10 caninclude embedded payment methods, which can be accessed by the venuegateway device 12 and the data management tool 14. The data managementtool 14 can automatically charge the patron based on a number ofactivities or sub-activities completed by the patron (e.g., using apayment chip linked to a credit card). As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the data management tool 14 can determine when apatron has completed activities or sub-activities by using locationinformation of the patron's sensor device 10. For example, a venuesensor device 10 can be placed at a beginning and/or end of eachactivity or sub-activity and when a patron's sensor device 10 comeswithin and/or is located within a predetermined range of the venuesensor device 10 (e.g., 3 feet) the task will be indicated as complete.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesensor device(s) 10 is used as, or is incorporated into, a loyalty cardand the data management tool 14 can track a particular patron's usage ata particular venue. The loyalty card tracking grants the patron accessto special start times, discounted pricing, forecasts a completion timeand up-to-date expected completion time (e.g., on patron device(s) 20).For example, the data management tool 14 can provide discount feepricing to loyal patrons (and not other patrons) for less busy times toincrease revenue during those periods.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thedata management tool 14 is configured to provide additional analysis fora particular type of activity venue. For example, additional metrics areprovided that are related to day-to-day functions and maintenance of theactivity venue, management of operators/staff members working theactivity venue, providing information to patrons and operators/staffmembers throughout the activity venue, monitoring the status of itemsthroughout the activity venue, weather conditions, etc. The additionalmetrics are utilized by the activity venue to create operationalefficiencies by enabling workflow management for staff memberactivities. For example, the data management tool 14 systematizesoperating procedures for staff members, allowing the operators to hirelower cost resources and that do not require as much training to performthe desired tasks (e.g., customer relations, maintenance, clerical,cashier, etc.). The data management tool 14 can tell the lower coststaff member (e.g., high school or college students) what staff memberactivities/tasks to carry out in response to events that are currentlyoccurring and/or are predicted to occur in the future.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention,maintenance vehicles at an activity venue (e.g., maintenance vehicles ona golf course) are equipped with sensor device(s) 10, operator device(s)18, and/or venue asset devices 22 a. The combination of sensor device(s)10 and operator device(s) 18 associated with maintenance vehicles (orother equipment) can be utilized to track locations of maintenancestaff, vehicles, and equipment. As would be appreciated by one skilledin the art, the locations of maintenance staff, vehicles, and equipmentcan be tracked by the data management tool 14 in a similar manner as thepatrons.

As discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the sensor device(s) 10,operator device(s), 18 and/or venue asset devices 22 a can includeaccelerometers that can detect vibration during vehicle operation, andthe detected vibration can be used to determine how many hours thevehicle has been running. As would be appreciated by one skilled in theart, the sensor device(s) 10, operator device(s) 18, and/or venue assetdevices 22 a transmit a signal periodically indicating that the vehicleis being operated, transmit a single signal with a duration of operationonce the operation of the vehicle has stopped, and/or any other knownmethods for indicated the amount of time that a vehicle has beenrunning. The running time of the vehicle, and other collected data, areused by the data management tool 14 to, for example, project maintenanceschedules and recommends an optimal time to perform maintenance to thevehicle. Accordingly, the data management tool 14 utilizes collecteddata to optimize vehicle up time while reducing maintenance costs.Additionally, the data management tool 14 can aggregate the location andtime data associated with the operator device(s) 18 and/or venue assetdevices 22 a with the vehicle for use with the aggregated patron, staff,and operator location and time data.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thepresent description makes use of an example for an activity venue of agolf course. However, this illustrative example of a golf course is notintended to limit the present invention to being applicable only to agolf course as the activity venue. Rather, the illustrative example of agolf activity is merely intended to better communicate various featuresand characteristics associated with the system 100 and the use of thesystem 100 in a particular activity venue, as well as detail specificconfigurations and implementations that are applicable to a golf courseimplementation. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, thedata, analytics, and metrics that pertain to the example implementationon a golf course can be modified to include data, analytics, and metricsto suit a different activity venue, such as a ski resort or amusementpark.

With respect to the example of a golf course, the data management tool14 collects data from sensor device(s) 10 and patron device(s) 18 todeliver value across several golf course operational service operatorsand patrons (e.g., golfers). For example, the data management tool 14can deliver valuable data to operators/staff members related to tee timemanagement, starter management, live traffic control, an operationaldashboard, predictive analytics, course setup, grounds and maintenance.

For the starter management, the data management tool 14 can assigngolfers together based on compatible availability and historical pace ofplay. In particular, the data management tool 14 can assign groups ofgolfers that share similar historical pace of play times. For the teetime management, the data management tool 14 can track historical usagepatterns and productive analytics to determine the optimal tee times forgolfers. For example, for golfers with efficient pace of plays, asmaller start time gap between gofers can be provided than for golferswith slower pace of play times. For the live traffic control, the datamanagement tool 14 can provide an interactive course map. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the live traffic control caninclude heat maps, an ability to zoom in and out, among other featuresto assist in visualizing patron traffic flow and congestion to users(e.g., operators).

For the operational dashboard the data management tool 14 can displaykey statistics for golf course and individual holes (e.g., congestion,patron locations, etc.). For predictive analytics, the data managementtool 14 can provide instructions for proactive management of patrons.For example, the data management tool 14 can provide instructions togolfers that they are behind pace, instructions to start play at aparticular gap in the golf course, instructions to allocate additionaltime between tee offs, etc. For course setup, the data management tool14 can provide information to patrons about the course (e.g., pinplacements, speed of greens, length of the rough, etc.) to assist inoptimizing the golfer's pace of play. Additionally, the data managementtool 14 can monitor current weather and providing advisory notificationsto patrons. For example, an outdoor venue may send notifications ofapproaching thunder storms to all patrons at the venue.

The present invention can further include department specificmetrics/analytics for a given venue. For example, a golf course can havedepartment specific metrics for maintenance/grounds department. Thegrounds department may receive information for machine management totrack usage and locations of machinery around the golf course,maintenance schedules to track maintenance processes to be carried outby the maintenance staff (e.g., track grass length, green speed, etc.),track wear and tear with a focus on high traffic zones and landingareas, watering system to centrally manage each individual wateringsystem, and course modifications to plan major course changes and toproject impact of those changes on scoring and pace of play.Additionally, operators will be able to measure the effectiveness ofcaddies and maintenance staff, as discussed herein. The system 100 canalso manage golf cart utilization to better balance fleet usage. Forexample, cart management can provide re-routing and/or shut of cartsbased on location and time data gathered from devices associated withthe carts.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesensor device(s) 10 or venue asset devices 22 a are connected tosprinkler heads throughout the golf course. The sensor device(s) 10 orvenue asset devices 22 a attached to sprinkler heads, or other portionof the sprinkler, to enable the data management tool 14 to monitor therelative health (i.e., are they working or operating efficiently) of thesprinkler heads. The data received from the sprinklers can be used toimprove maintenance and operations at the golf course. In accordancewith an example embodiment of the present invention, the data managementtool 14 and/or the venue gateway device 12 sends instructions to startand stop operation of the sprinkler systems based upon the activityaround the golf course. For example, on hot days the sprinkler systemsare activated to water areas during periods of time when there are nopatron device(s) 20, 22 b, 22 c within a predetermined vicinity of thesensor device(s) 10 or venue asset devices 22 a in those areas, thussignaling a period of inactivity. The data management tool 14 canutilize traffic patterns and pace of play of patrons to predict gaps inpatron activates and provide instructions to initiate the sprinklersduring the gaps and provide instructions to turn off the sprinklers whenpatrons are approaching that area of the course. As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the instructions can automatically turn thesprinklers on or off, or can send instructions to an operator of thecourse to turn on or off the sprinklers.

FIG. 3A shows an exemplary flow chart depicting implementation of thepresent invention. In particular, FIG. 3A depicts actions performed bythe data management tool 14 in conjunction with the other components ofthe system 100 during process 300. At step 302, the data management tool14 receives location and time data from a plurality of patron sensordevice(s) 10 and/or other devices 18, 20. At step 304, the datamanagement tool 14 uses the received data to predict potential delays,bottlenecks, and other issues based on the location and time data. Atstep 306, the data management tool 14 optimizes a traffic flow of thepatrons based on the analysis of the location data, time data, andhistoric data. At step 308, the data management tool 14 providesfeedback to the patrons and operators at an activity venue based on thecompleted analysis. At step 310, the data management tool 14 cancontinuing monitoring the location and time data provided by the sensordevice(s) 10 at the activity venue and re-optimize accordingly.

FIG. 3B shows an exemplary flow chart depicting an exampleimplementation of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3B depictsactions performed by the data management tool 14 in conjunction with theother components of the system 100 during process 350. At step 352, thedata management tool 14 receives location and time data from a pluralityof patron sensor device(s) 10 and operator devices 18. At step 354, thedata management tool 14 uses the received data to predict and identify alocation(s) of a gap(s) between patrons based on the location and timedata and historical data, as discussed with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B,and 3A. At step 356, the data management tool 14 calculates a time andduration of time that the gap(s) will exist at the location(s).

At step 358, the data management tool 14 provides feedback to the staffmembers and operators at an activity venue, based on the predicted andidentified gap(s). In accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention, the feedback includes indicating maintenance tasks tobe performed in the identified gap(s). As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the data management tool 14 can maintain a list ofmaintenance tasks that need to be completed at various locations at thevenue and a duration of time needed to complete those tasks. Utilizingto list of maintenance tasks and the predicted and identified gap(s) thedata management tool 14 can match the appropriate maintenance task(s) tobe performed at the identified gap. Similarly, the data management tool14 can dispatch the appropriate staff member to perform the maintenancetask. The dispatching of the staff member can be determined based onproximity to the gap, availability of the staff member, the skill levelof the task to be complete, or a combination thereof. At step 360, thedata management tool 14 can continuing monitoring the location data ofthe sensor device(s) 10 and operator devices 18 at the activity venueand provide maintenance feedback to staff members and operatorsaccordingly.

Example Golf-Course-Specific Implementation

In operation, the system 100 can be configured for operation on a golfcourse. In particular, in an illustrative example, the system 100 isconfigured to provide analytics and metrics specifically related to thegolf course and activity on the golf course. For example, in accordancewith the exemplary golf course embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 of the present invention utilizes algorithms and analyticsspecifically designed to formulate metrics related to pace of play ofplayers on the golf course. The metrics calculated by the system 100related to pace of play can further be utilized to determine otherfunctions on the golf course. In one example implementation, the pace ofplay of patrons on the golf course can be utilized to determine when andwhere to perform maintenance tasks on the golf course (and dispatchmaintenance staff accordingly). For example, the pace of play of patronscan be utilized by the system 100 to derive traffic patterns of thepatrons, predict a location and time of gaps in play between patrons,and assign/dispatch maintenance tasks to be executed by staff duringthose predicted gaps. Similarly, the metrics calculated by the system100 can indicate which player or group of players are playing quickly orslowly, how much time a player or group of players waits on shots for aplayer or group of players ahead to clear an area, or an average time ittakes a player or group of players to play various shots and clearvarious areas (e.g., particular holes or greens). The followingexemplary embodiment is discussed with respect to utilization on a golfcourse to derive various metrics on the golf course (e.g., pace ofplay), however, the system 100 and the algorithms utilized thereon canbe customized to be applied to other activity venues, as discussedherein, and is not intended to be limited to use on a golf course unlessspecific to particular golf implementation features. For example,similar algorithms can be used to predict pace of play and othermeasures for venues such as miniature golf courses, ski resorts,amusement parks, etc.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 aggregates data, calculates various metrics, and performsanalytics related to activities on the golf course. For example, thesystem performs analytics on aggregated data to determine a pace of playfor each player on the golf course. The calculated metrics for pace ofplay can be related to a pace of play for a particular course,particular hole, a particular golfer, a particular group of golfers,etc. The system 100 utilizes a combination of historical data and livedata (e.g., location data, time data, etc.) gathered from the sensordevice(s) 10, the venue gateway device 12, the operator device(s) 18,patron device(s) 20, etc. to calculate the pace of play metrics andother metrics using a unique combination of algorithms. In accordancewith an example embodiment of the present invention, each player whoparticipates in a round of golf while utilizing the system 100 isassigned a pace of player rating that reflects that particular player'space of play to be stored by the system 100 (e.g., by the datamanagement tool 14). The collection of the all the pace of play metricsfor all players can be useful for the system to improve the playexperience of players while maximizing efficient utilization of the golfcourse. Such improvements can be manifested in the form of scheduling,teaming, maintenance and evaluation purposes.

For golf courses and players there are a number of factors that cancontribute to a player's pace of play. The system 100 of the presentinvention can collect data from the sensor device(s) 10, the patrondevice(s) 20, and operator device(s) 18, etc. and calculate metrics toidentify and account for such factors. In particular, when calculating apace of play for a player, a number of factors must be weighed in orderto fairly represent a player's pace of play. For example, to fairlypredict a player's pace of play, the system 100 adds a player'spreparing/hitting time to the player's moving time and subtracts anywaiting time incurred by the player (e.g., time waiting for otherplayers to clear the area). An example formula for such a calculationcan be written as TT(i,j)=T(i,j)−WW(i,j) where i is a group number, j isa hole number, n is a cage number, TT(i,j) is a true playing time (aplay time minus a wait time) to play Hole j by Group i, T(i,j) is theactual time duration group i took to play Hole j, and WW(i,j) is thetotal wait time for group i on hole j for all cages 402 on hole j. Thiscalculation accounts for delays caused by other players that impedinghow long it takes a particular player to complete a hole and/or course.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the system 100utilizes the combination of devices discussed herein to perform thecalculations related to pace of play determinations. For example, thedata management tool 14 of the system 100 can utilize any combination ofdata collected from the sensor device(s) 10, the patron device(s) 20,and operator device(s) 18 to derive the metrics for calculating the paceof play for the players and other metrics. In particular, the system 100aggregates location and time data collected from sensor device(s) 10,the patron device(s) 20, and operator device(s) 18 via the venue gatewaydevice 12, and performs analytics on the data utilizing the datamanagement tool 14. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the data management tool 14 can utilize a plurality of algorithmsspecifically designed to calculate a pace of play for players, groups ofplayers, expected pace of play for courses, and other desirable metrics.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, whendetermining a pace of play metric and other metrics, the system 100accounts for a number of factors that include but are not limited toplayer behavior, course conditions, and management decisions. Playerbehavior includes collecting data related to whether each player isready to hit when it is their turn to hit, whether the player movesdirectly to their own ball, and how long the player takes to actuallyhit the shot. Similarly, group behaviors include collecting data relatedto whether a group of players plays ready golf, whether the group usestheir cart(s) wisely, whether the group waves up parties waiting behindthem on par 3s (e.g., when the group is playing at a slower pace thanthe group behind them), when the group is a waiting for other parties toclear an area while on the tee, etc. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, all of these behaviors can be tracked, analyzed, andcalculated by the system 100 using data collected from sensors/devicesaround the golf course.

Additionally, the course conditions include collecting data related tothe length of the course, a difficulty level of the course, a width ofthe fairway(s), an amount of obstacles on the course, a height of therough, the speed of the green(s), a number of bunkers, and amount ofwater hazards. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, eachcriterion related to course conditions can add shots to a round of golfand added shots add time. In accordance with an example embodiment ofthe present invention, each golf course has a course standard timerating for each size group based on the course conditions associatedwith that golf course. The course standard time is calculated by thesystem 100 using an algorithm applied to the specific course conditionsfor the course or can be calculated based on the actual play times ofplayers on the course. An example formula for such a calculation can bewritten as A(i,j)=max P(i,k,j,Green) for all k players in the group,where i is a group number, k is the player number in group i, j is ahole number, and P(i,k,j,Green) is the crossing green clock time foreach player k in group i that finishes hole j. If more than one crossingfor a player occurs, the system 100 uses the maximum of all P(I,k,j)s,saving the last time the player crossed, namely we the player left thecage. This formula indicates when the last player crossed out of thegreen cage for hole j, as discussed in greater detail herein.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the course standardtime can be adjusted based on other factors. For example, the time ofday, time of year, weather, etc. can all influence the calculated coursestandard time. In accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention, the calculated course standard time is used as a bar forcomparing and predicting expected pace of play for players on thatcourse. Additionally, group size is a determining factor on the expectedpace of play. For example, the larger the group, the more delays thatcan be caused. The greater the number of groups on the course, thelonger it will take to play. The real-time pace, skills, and interestsof the golfers on the course at any given time will also be a factor.Management

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thepace of play metrics can further be utilized to for various managementdecisions related to the golf course. The management decisions includethe course setup, the tee interval, and whether course managementprovides pace instruction, feedback, ranger instructions to players onthe course, course maintenance schedules, maintenance staff deploymentbased upon player gaps on the golf course, architectural changes to thegolf course, an amount of water required, number of new members to addto a private country club without impacting existing members, determineoptimal drop-in points where players can start their round withoutimpacting play of others, and enable shorter format play (e.g., play foran hour or three to four holes).

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are numerousconfigurations that the system 100 can utilize to aggregate and analyzedata from the golf course to calculate a pace of play value. FIGS. 4A-4Ddepict example embodiments of configurations for capturing preciseplayer movement data to be used by the system 100 analytics to derivedthe various metrics discussed herein. In accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention, the system 100 implements cages 402and/or arcs 406 to provide precise data on player movement on the holesand the course, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4D. In particular, the cages 402and/or arcs 406 are utilized by the system 100 to gather specificlocation and time data about player activity on a golf course to be usedin the algorithms for calculating pace of play metrics.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecages 402 are virtual or computer generated cages 402 in that they areestablished on a computer or computer network as predeterminedelectronic zones technologically set up at specific locations on thegolf course and/or holes 400. For example, the data gathered throughoutthe golf course virtual or computer generated cages 402 can be createdby identifying specific locations as an overlay on an electronic mappingof the golf course. In particular, the cages 402 are predefined areaswhere players are expected to hit to or from. For example, the cages 402are set up around all tees and putting surfaces throughout the golfcourse. The cages 402 are also set up in fairway areas where players arelikely to hit to and/or will be forced to wait if a group ahead is stillin the next cage. Similarly, the cages 402 can be set up to includeportions of the cart path adjacent to the target areas (e.g., via thesensor tee off, fairway, green, etc.) in order to provide tracking forthe golf carts and alert players of restricted areas on the golf course.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the cages 402 can bedefined using physical sensors on the golf course. However, inaccordance with the illustrative embodiment described herein, the cages402 are defined by the system using geolocation technology and virtualor computer generated boundaries understood by the system 100.Conceptually, for a user to understand the location of the cages 402,they can be represented as boundaries on a map overlaying the golfcourse, as depicted in the corresponding FIGS. 4A-4D. The cages 402 areutilized by the system 100 for identifying locations and times that aplayer enters and exits the cages 402. Tracking when a player crossesinto a cage 402 enables the system to monitor the position and pace ofeach player/group. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the cages 402 can be implemented using any combination of hardware andsoftware known in the art.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecages 402 are setup using geolocation coordinates. The geolocationcoordinates can be defined by a computer to create the boundariesdesignating an area for the cages 402. The locations for the cages 402and the cages 402 respective geolocation coordinate defined boundariescan be created, assigned, or identified and stored on the system 100.For example, an administrative user can manually enter geographicalcoordinates into a user interface, draw out the boundaries on a map ofthe golf course within the user interface, or utilize any methodunderstood by those of skill in the art for assigning a geographicalarea/boundary. Additionally, the system 100 can have rules in place toprevent the boundaries of the cages 402 from overlapping with oneanother. Similarly, the cages 402 can be setup using hardware devices(e.g., sensor device(s) 10) to setup a perimeter points (e.g., boundary)for the cages 402.

The cages 402 are utilized by the system 100 to identify when a playerenters and exits a particular area of the golf course (or when a golfcarts enter/exit a portion of the cart path) and to identify therelationship of that player to other players on the course. Inparticular, the system 100 recognizes and records a clock time and anidentifier of a cage 402 when a player crosses the predefined electricboundary established for the cage 402. For example, when a player entersa cage 402 defined by the geolocation coordinate boundary associatedwith that cage 402, the system 100 records the time that the player haspassed the boundary for that particular cage 402. Similarly, when thatplayer leaves the area defined by a cage 402, the system 100 records thetime entry data for the exit. The crossing (e.g., entering/exiting acage 402) time entry data at each cage 402 for that player is used bythe system 100 to calculate the pace of play metrics and measure thetime it takes to complete activities (i.e. complete a hole) versusbenchmarks for comparison purposes.

Depending on the particular activity venue or sub-activity, the cages402 can be set up by the system 100 at different predeterminedlocations. For example, for the golf course implementation, cages 402art set up at the tee off location(s) and the green for each hole on thegolf course or the driving range or parking lot or other designatedareas (to track who/what is in those zones). Additionally, for longerholes, additional cages 402 are set up based on the distance of thoseholes. For example, for holes less than 440 yards, a fairway cage is setup between the tee off area(s) and the green and for holes over 500yards, another fairway cage is set up a predetermined distance betweenthe first fairway cage and the green. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, each of the cages 402 are associated with a uniqueidentifier, such that the system 100 can determine which cage(s) 402 onwhich holes are being entered/exited by each player at which times andhow long players spend playing a specific hole, clubhouse, the drivingrange, etc.

FIGS. 4A and 4B depict example implementations of cages 402 positionedon a hole 400 of a golf course. As discussed in greater detail herein,the cages 402 are used to gather data when a player crosses a boundarydefined the geolocation points associated with the cage 402. The cages402 are used by the system 100 to calculate various metrics such as paceof play for a player or a group of players. The gathered data caninclude the identifier associated with the cage 402 being crossed,geolocation of the cage 402 being cross, and a clock time in which thecrossing occurred. An example formula for such a calculation can bewritten as P(i,k,l,Tee), where i is a group number, k is the playernumber in group i, j is a hole number, and calculates a crossing startclock time that a player k in group i crossed out of the first hole teestart cage. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the datacan be gathered using any combination of hardware and software discussedin system 100 and/or known in the art.

FIG. 4A depicts an example implementation in which boundaries for thecage 402 zones are setup on a hole 400 of a golf course, represented bythe dashed lines. As depicted in FIG. 4A, each cage 402 is defined bygeolocation coordinates 404. For example, the cages 402 can be definedby longitude and latitude coordinates on a map. In accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention, the cages 402 and theirrespective coordinates 404 are further defined by where the cage 402 islocated on a particular hole 400. In particular, the cages 402 can bedefined as a tee box cage 402 a, a green cage 402 b, and a fairway cage402 c at each hole 400, as depicted in FIG. 4B. As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the cages 402 can also be defined bylocations on a golf course (e.g., first hole tee off, second hole green,third hole fairway, driving range, parking lot, etc.), additionallocations on a hole 400, etc.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, arcs406 are used in combination with the cages 402 to capture precise playermovement and other data (e.g., wait times) on each hole 400 of the golfcourse. Overall the arcs 406 share a similar to functionally to thecages 402. The arcs 406 are defined by the system 100 to coverpredefined areas, distances, and/or boundaries arcing from key locationson a hole 400. For example, the arcs 406 can include a cone shaped areaoriginating from a predetermined distance from key locations on a golfcourse (e.g., cage 402 locations). The key locations can include tee offlocations, mid fairway points, and the green for each particular hole400 on a golf course. The boundaries for the arcs 406 can defined byestablishing a predetermined distance from a point of interest (e.g.,tee off, green, or fairway position) as depicted in FIG. 4C or aestablishing a predetermined distance radius from a point of interest asdepicted in FIG. 4D. In accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention, the arcs 406 are virtual or computer generatedpredetermined distances extending from locations within the cages 402.The predetermined distances can determined by industry experts or thecourse operator and are established on a computer or computer network asarcs 406 technologically set up at specific locations on the golfcourse. For example, the virtual or computer generated arcs 406 can becreated by identifying specific locations as an overlay on an electronicmapping of the golf course.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thearcs 406 are used to create and/or provide locations for fairway cages402 c. In particular, the arcs 406 define at what distances to positionthe fairway cages 402 c based on a projected distance that a ball maytravel (e.g., from a tee off). For example, as depicted in FIGS. 4C and4D, an arc 406 from the tee off cage 402 a is defined by a maximumdistance a tee shot will travel (e.g., 250 yards), the next arc 406 willdefine the maximum distance the next shot will travel (e.g., 220 yards)to reach the next cage 402 (e.g., the green tee cage 402 b), and soforth. The fairway cages 402 c will be created at points in which thearcs 406 overlap. In instances where arcs 406 on a hole do notintersect, cage 402 will be created by the end of two arcs 406 (e.g.,from the tee and one from the green). For example, the arcs 406 candefine locations for cages 402 at 250 yards out from the tee cage 402 aand at 250 yards from the green cage 402 b, as defined by the respectivearcs 406.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, asdepicted in FIG. 4D, the system 100 can utilize a combination of thecages 402 and the arcs 406. In particular, the cages 402 and/or arcs 406are utilized in combination to gather data for the system 100 to trackand record events and derive metrics related to where and when a playeris located and in relation to other players within a particular hole 400within a golf course. The data is gathered by the system 100 by trackingand recording events related to the cages 402 and/or arcs 406. Forexample, the tracked events can include when a player enters or exits aboundary defined by the cages 402 and/or arcs 406.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 can identify and track events related to when a player/groupcrosses a boundary for a particular cage 402 and/or arc 406. The eventsinclude but are not limited to when a player enters a tee box cage(e.g., cage 402 a), when a player exits a tee box cage, when a playerenters a fairway cage (e.g., cage 402 c), when a player exits a fairwaycage, when a player enters a green cage (e.g., cage 402 b), when aplayer exits a green cage, when a player enters a courtesy arc (e.g.,arc 406), and when a player exits a courtesy arc. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, there are multiple systems andmethodologies that can be used to track an individual player/groupcrossing a particular boundary.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecrossing of a boundary of a cage 402 or arc 406 is tracked by recordinga location of a player/group at a particular point in time byperiodically pinging the patron device 20 and/or sensor device 10carried by that player throughout the golf course and record a locationof that device (e.g., patron device 20, sensor device 10, etc.) at thetime of the ping. After each ping, the system 100 determines whether theplayer is located within or outside a cage 402 or arc 406 and recordsthe location and time when warranted. In particular, the system 100records a clock time when a player first identified as being located ina cage 402 and/or arc 406 (e.g., the first ping recorded in a cage 402and/or arc 406) and a clock time when that player leaves that cage 402and/or arc 406 (the first ping recorded outside a cage after recording aping inside a cage 402 and/or arc 406). Additionally, the first ping fora player inside a cage 402 and/or arc 406 is recorded as the clock timethat the player entered the cage, such that if the player exits andre-enters the same cage 402 and/or arc 406, the first clock time isstill the entry clock time. Similarly, system 100 takes the highest(latest) ping clock time for a player outside a cage having the previousping inside the cage to indicate when the player last left the cage. Aswould be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the pings and dataassociated therewith can be stored by the system 100 in a database forfurther analysis.

The data gathered in relation to the cages 402 and/or arcs 406 isutilized by the system 100 to provide metrics based on the preciselocation and movement data gathered for players/groups on the course. Inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 tracks how long a player/group spends “dwelling” in aparticular cage 402 and/or arc 406. In particular, the system 100 cancalculate a dwell time by recording an entry time when the player/groupinitially crosses a boundary for a cage 402 and/or arc 406 and a timewhen the player last exits the cage 402 and/or arc 406 (re-crosses thepredefined boundary). The dwell time is the total time that a player orgroup spends within a cage 402 and/or arc 406. The system 100 can derivethe dwell time by calculating the difference in the player's entry timeand the exit time from a cage 402 and/or arc 406 (e.g., subtracting theentry time from the exit time). An example formula for such acalculation can be written as L(i,k,j,n)=Pmax(i,k,j,n)−Pmin(i,k,j,n),where i is a group number, k is the player number in group i, j is ahole number, n is a cage number on the hole j, L(i,k,j,n) is the dwelltime at cage n on hole j for group i, Pmax(i,k,j,n) is the finalcrossing clock time for player k in group i, on hole j for exiting cagen, and Pmin(i,k,j,n) is the first crossing clock time for player k ingroup i, on hole j for entering cage n.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, it is possible tohave a player/group cross boundaries for the cages 402 and/or arcs 406several times and the system 100 can be configured to account for suchsituations. For example, the system 100 can store only the minimumcrossing time (a first crossing time) to indicate arrival at a cage 402and/or arc 406 and the maximum crossing time (the last crossing time) toindicate exit from the cage 402 and/or arc 406. The system 100 storesthe first crossing reading as the minimum crossing time and then thesubsequent crossing time would be stored as the maximum crossing timewith each new crossing time replacing the previously stored maximumcrossing time. The minimum crossing time and the maximum crossing timeare utilized by the system 100 to calculate the total dwell time. Forexample, the system 100 subtracts the minimum crossing time from themaximum crossing time to derive the total dwell time.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecages 402 and/or arcs 406 are utilized by the system 100 to determinewhether a player or group of players is waiting to play as a result ofbeing impeded by another player or group of players. The system 100determines that a player/group is impeded when that player/group isslowed by a player/group ahead of them on the course. For example, thesystem 100 determines if a first player/group is impeded when waitingfor another player/group at a position ahead of them on a hole 400 toclear the area. Similarly, the system 100 determines that a player/groupis impeding another player/group playing behind them.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 determines when a player/group is impeding and/or is impededby another player/group by comparing dwell times and locationsinformation for those player/groups. In particular, the system 100compares dwell times from one player/group in a first area compared to adwell time for another player/group in an adjacent area ahead/behind theone player/group to determine whether there is any impeding occurring.For example, the system 100 can identify a player/group that has crossedinto a first cage 402 or arc 406 (e.g., at a tee off location) that iswaiting for a player/group in a next cage 402 or arc 406 (e.g., thefairway) ahead of them to clear the area (e.g., based on overlappingdwell times in the respective cages 402 or arcs 406).

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the system 100 canutilize data collected from multiple cages 402 or arcs 406 to calculatewait times caused by any impeding from other players/groups. The systemcan calculate wait times by determining a time from when a player/grouparrives at a cage 402 or are 406 until the player/group ahead clears thenext cage 402 or arc 406. For example, the system 100 records the amountof time a particular player/group (e.g., on the fairway) ahead ofanother player/group (e.g., at the tee oft) has impeded the otherplayer/group based on how long the particular player/group is occupyinga cage 402 (e.g., on the fairway). In particular, the data gathered fromthe cages 402 and/or arcs 406 is utilized by the system 100 to trackwhen a particular player has entered a particular area of the golfcourse, track when other players enter/exit an area immediately ahead orbehind the particular area, when the other players are in cages 402and/or arcs 406 ahead of the particular player are causing delays,and/or when the particular player is causing delays for a player orgroup immediately behind that player. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the system 100 can add multiple wait times (e.g., asum of the wait times at each of the cages 402 and/or arcs 406 on ahole) to derive a total wait time for that hole. The system 100 usesthat data to calculate the wait times incurred by the impeding timeperiod. An example formula for such a calculation can be written asWW(i,j)=sum of W(i,j,n) where i is a group number, j is a hole number,and n is the cage number on the hole j, and W(i,j,n) is the time group iwaited for another group ahead to clear cage n on hole j.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 can perform additional analytics to determine if a playerplays faster or slower depending on whom the player is grouped with.Additionally, more precise measures derived by the system 100 can beused explain some of the waiting time for members of an individualplayer's group. In particular, using calculated dwell times, the system100 can estimate how much time each individual players within a group isin a cage 402 and/or arc 406. The system 100 determines when eachindividual player enters and leaves the cage 402 and/or arc 406,calculates the dwell times for each player in the group, and derives anoverall group dwell time at each cage 402 and/or arc 406. Subtractingout the calculated wait/impeded time caused by any other players/groupsahead of the individual player enables the system to calculate the truedwell time for each individual player. Subtracting out the wait/impededtime incurred by each individual in the group provides the true time thegroup takes to play a shot.

The system 100 can utilize the sum and averages of the dwell times forthe individual players in the group and the overall group to providemetrics indicating which individuals complete their shots quickly andwhich do not. Similarly, this derived data can be used to identify whichindividual players in a group are slowing the overall pace of the totalgroup. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, other datagathered by the system 100 may also be helpful in identifying the slowand/or fast player(s) in the group. For example, the system 100 canmonitor movement speed when the players are traveling from shot to shot.The system 100 also identifies which player is first into a cage, whichplayer is last, which player is first out, and which player is last out,which can be used to determine which players are faster/slower.Additionally, data collected on specific players can be used todetermine a players overall pace and establish a player pace rating.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, usingthe data gathered from the events related to crossing the boundaries,the system 100 derives a number of different metrics. The metrics caninclude but are not limited to a hole start time, a hole end time, ahole (benchmark) play time, a hole standard play time, a hole adjustedplay time, a player/group (benchmark) play time, a player/group standardplay time, a player/group adjusted play time, a course (benchmark) playtime, a course standard play time, a course adjusted play time, and apace of play. The system 100 can calculate and derive the variousmetrics using a combination of user entered and automatically obtaineddata (e.g., from devices 10, 20, etc.) from the golf course.

The hole start time is derived by identifying a clock time for when theplayer/group first crossed the boundary for a tee off cage 402 or arc406 for a particular hole. For a group of players, the start time forthe group is the clock time of when the first player in the groupcrossed the boundary. Similarly, the hole end time can be calculated byidentifying the clock time when the player/group exits the green cage402 or arc 406 for a particular hole. For a group of players, the endtime is calculated using the clock time of when the last player in thegroup exits the final boundary (e.g., the green cage boundary). Theysystem 100 can utilize the start times and the end times to calculate anoverall play time the group takes to play a hole. For example, thesystem can subtract the start clock time from the end clock time toderive the actual play time of a hole for the player/group. Similarly,when calculating a pace of play for an entire round of golf, the system100 will calculate a sum of the tee box to tee box time for each hole(which includes travel time between holes).

The hole benchmark play time is derived by the system 100 using variousvariables collected for a player/group. The variables can be related today of the week, a time, a party size (e.g., single, double, threesome,foursome, etc.), carts/no carts, caddie, weather, type of play (i.e.normal play vs tournament play), etc. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the variables used in calculating the hole benchmarkplay time can include any combination of manually entered variables(e.g., entered into the operator device 18) and/or automaticallyobtained variables. The hole benchmark play time is derived by thesystem 100 using historical data for the collected variables todetermine an estimated amount of time it should take a player/group tocomplete a particular hole, based on the provided variables.

The hole standard play time is the play time based on the time it tookthe last player or group to complete a hole. Accordingly, the holestandard play time changes each time a player or group completes a hole.The hole standard play time is derived by the system 100 by calculatingthe actual play time that a particular hole is being played byplayers/groups regardless of wait times experienced. In particular, thehole standard play time is calculated by calculating a differencebetween the clock time of when the player/group exits the green cage 402or arc 406 (e.g., the green cage time(s)) for each player or group fromthe clock time of when the player/group exits the green cage 402 or arc406 (e.g., the green cage time(s)) from the previous hole). An exampleformula for such a calculation can be written as T(i,j)=A(i,j)−A(i,j−1)[First hole is A(i,j)−S(i)], where i is a group number, j is a holenumber, T(i,j) is the actual time duration group i took to play hole j,A(i,j) is the actual hole finish clock time group i finishes hole j,A(i,j−1) is the actual hole finish clock time group i finishes hole j−1(e.g., the previous hole), and S(i) is the actual start clock time groupi begins the round (e.g., begins hole 1).

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the hole standardplay time can be calculated using a historical average of play times forall players and groups on that hole, using a historical average of playtimes for a particular player or group on that hole, and/or historicalaverage of play times for players or groups within a predeterminedperiod of time (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). The hole adjustedplay time can be derived by the system 100 by calculating an adjustedplay time that the hole is being played. The hole adjusted play time iscalculated by subtracting any derived wait times incurred by players orgroup from their respective standard play times (e.g., TT(i,j)T(i,j)−WW(i,j)). Similarly, the hole adjusted play times can be derivedby calculating a historical average of play times for the players andgroups for a particular hole.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theplayer/group benchmark play time is derived by the system 100 bycalculating an expected time that a player/group should take to playeach hole or using the pace ratings. The pace ratings can be determinedby industry experts or the course operators themselves. For example, theplayer/group benchmark can be calculated by taking an average ofhistorical adjusted play times for the particular player/group for thathole. Similarly, the player/group benchmark can be calculated by takingan average of historical adjusted play times for the particularplayer/group throughout the course and normalized for that particularhole. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, theplayer/group benchmark playtime can be adjusted periodically (e.g.,daily, weekly, based on weather, etc.) and calculated a number of otherways known in the art.

The player/group standard play time is a sum play time of all of theholes played by players and groups. The player/group standard play timecan be derived by the system 100 by calculating and adding the actualplay time that the player/group takes to play each hole. In particular,the player/group standard play time is calculated by calculating adifference between when the player/group enters tee box cage time fromthe player/group exit green cage time. The player/group adjusted playtime can be derived by the system 100 by adjusting the actual play timeto account for wait times. The player/group adjusted play time iscalculated by subtracting any derived wait times for the player/groupfrom the actual play time of the player/group.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecourse benchmark play time is derived by the system 100 by calculating atime that the player/group should play the whole course or usingbenchmarks determined by industry experts or the course operator. Forexample, the course benchmark can be calculated by taking an average,mean, median, etc. of historical adjusted play times for allplayers/groups on the course. Similarly, the course benchmark play timecan be an average, mean, median, etc. of all the historical adjustedplay times for a particular player/group on the course. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the course benchmark playtime canbe calculated a number of different ways known in the art.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thecourse standard play time is derived by the system 100 by calculating anactual time that players/groups take to complete the course. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the course standard play time canbe calculated using a historical average of play times for all playersand groups on that course, using a historical average of play times fora particular player or group on that course, and/or historical averageof play times for players or groups within a predetermined period oftime (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, etc.). For example, the coursestandard play time can be calculated by averaging the standard play timefor all players/groups that have completed the course that day or duringa specific time of the day (e.g., busy or slow). As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the average for the course standard play timemay not be calculated until a predetermined number of players/groupshave completed the course for a predetermined period of time. Forexample, the average may not be calculated by the system 100 until atleast three players/groups have completed the course that day.

The course adjusted play time can be derived by the system 100 bycalculating an adjusted play time the players/groups took to completethe course. In particular, the course adjusted play time is derived bythe system 100 by subtracting wait times from the standard play time forthe players/groups. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the course adjusted play time can be derived by the system 100 for eachparticular player/group or a historical average for all players andgroups for the particular course. As would be appreciated by one skilledin the art, the various hole play times, the player/group play times,and the course play times may be categorized by predetermined criteriaand calculated for all parties satisfying that criteria. For example,the calculated play times for individual players may be calculatedseparately from the calculated play times for groups.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, apace of play metrics for a player/group can be calculated by the system100 using the data gathered from the events and the derived metrics.When calculating pace of play metrics, for example, the system 100 canuse the data gathered related to crossing the cages 402 and/or arcs 406.For example, the pace of play metrics can be calculated by identifyingperiods in which a player/group is waiting on other player ahead on thecourse and deducting the wait time from the player/group's overallplaytime (e.g., player/group adjusted player time). Additionally, thesystem 100 can utilize calculated dwell times when calculating the paceof play metrics. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, thesystem 100 can perform various analytics to calculate various othermetrics based on player time and location data, as discussed herein. Forexample, the data gathered from the cages 402 and/or arcs 406 can beused in addition with other data gathered by the data management tool 14to determine traffic patterns, predictive delays, scheduling tee times,staggering tee times, maintenance schedules, staff dispatching toperform certain tasks within gaps in play, etc.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, datagathered related to crossing the cages 402 and/or arcs 406 is utilizedby the system 100 to determine an adjusted pace of play metric for aplayer/group. The adjusted pace of play for the player is the differencebetween the time the player/group takes to play a hole 400 or coursewhile subtracting any time that the player/group was impeded by otherplayers/groups during play (e.g., TT(i,j)=T(i,j)−WW(i,j)). Inparticular, the system 100 calculates a pace of play for eachplayer/group by tracking the total time on the course (e.g., from thefirst tee to the completion of the eighteenth hole) and subtracting thetime spent waiting on other players ahead of the particular player/groupto clear the next cages 402 and/or arcs 406. The resulting adjusted paceof play indicates an adjusted play time representing a pace of play ifthe player/group was not impeded by any other players.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the system 100 cantake into account other factors when determining the adjusted pace ofplay. For example, the system 100 can adjust the adjusted pace of playfor a player/group when they are waving ahead another player/group, suchthat the waving party's pace of play is not adversely affected byproviding the curtesy of waving ahead another party. For example, thesystem 100 can perform calculations for a player/group adjusted playtime to account for the waiting for the following player/group (e.g.,waved on player/group) to tee off. An example formula for such aidentifying a “wave through” can be written as IfGin(i+1,j,n)<Gin(i,j,n) Then group i “waved through” group i+1., where iis a group number, j is a hole number, n is a cage number, Gin(i+1,j,n)is the clock arrival time group for group i+1 (e.g., the grouporiginally behind group i) at cage n on hole j, and Gin(i,j,n) is theclock arrival time group for group i at cage n on hole j. An exampleformula for adjusting for a “wave through” can be written asGin(i,j,n)−Gout(i+1,j,n−1) with group is approximate wait time on thetee being Gin(i,j,n)−Gin(i+1,j,n−1).

Once an adjusted pace of play for a player/group has been established bythe system 100, the adjusted pace of play can be utilized at a futurepoint in time for additional analytics related to the golf course. Forexample, the system 100 can use the adjusted pace of play forplayers/groups to determine how much space to allocate between tee times(as depicted in FIG. 5), when and where to insert a particularplayer/group into the course, providing indications to a player/groupthat they are behind or ahead of the reasonable pace, providingindications that a player/group should wave ahead other players,when/where to perform maintenance, etc. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, each implementation can use a combination of uniquealgorithms designed to improve the overall function of the golf courseas well as player experience, as discussed herein.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, there are differentalgorithms for calculating a pace of play and adjusted pace of play forindividual players within a group of players and for solo players. Inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 determines a metric for a plus/minus pace time forindividuals in a group of players. The plus/minus pace time iscalculated by subtracting a course standard time from the adjusted playtime for the group. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art,the course standard time can be a predetermined value calculated basedon specific factors for that course or the course standard time can becalculated using historical data form previously played rounds of golf.In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 can use the plus/minus pace time to calculate a player pacerating for each individual player in the group. As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, the player pace rating can be determinedusing a variety of algorithms using the data gathering devices in thesystem 100.

For example, each member of a group can be assigned a plus/minus pacetime of for each round of golf played by the system 100. The plus/minuspace time for each player can be stored by the system 100 for additionalanalysis. The system 100 can review the previously stored plus/minuspace times and determine a minimum pace time from the stored theplus/minus pace times. The minimum plus/minus pace time represents thebest time that a particular player completed in a round. That minimumplus/minus pace time may not represent the player's absolute pacepotential since it was affected by whom the player was grouped with, butit provides the system 100 with an indication of a best plus/minus pacetime that player completed a course. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the plus/minus pace time of a player in a group canbe slower or faster than the player would have typically played solo orwith a different group composition, but the minimum plus/minus pace timeprovides a metric of the pace of play potential for the player.

Another example methodology for determining a player pace rating for anindividual player in a group is to take an average of all the player'srecent plus/minus pace times. As would be appreciated by one skilled inthe art, the average can be determined using any combination ofcalculations from the player's historical adjusted pace of play times.For example, the system 100 can calculate the average of the five mostrecent play times or take an average of the best five adjusted pace ofplay times out of the last ten play times for the player. The calculatedaverage for the plus/minus pace of play times provides the system 100with a metric that accounts for unusual circumstances causing especiallyslow play not the fault of the player. For example, the player may haveplayed on a day in which there was bad weather or there may be instancesin which the player is not interested in playing fast and not impedinganyone because there were few groups on the course.

In a third example approach, the system 100 utilizes a statisticalregression analysis to determine a player pace rating. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the statistical regressionanalysis can be performed in any manner sufficient to provide anaccurate depiction of a players' pace. For example, the system 100 cancalculate each player's player pace rating by “fitting” binary variablesto the plus/minus pace times for all rounds played by all players in allgroups. The binary variables can include a “0” for when a player is notin the group and a “1” for when the player is in the group for a givenround's plus/minus pace time. When the analysis using binary variablesis completed by the system 100, each given round's plus/minus pace timeis predicted from the player pace rating of the players in the group forthat round. The coefficients resulting from the regression wouldrepresent each player's player pace rating, each player's contributionto the pace of a group.

Algorithms for Pace of Play Metrics Utilizing Data from the Cages/Arcs

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety ofalgorithms can be utilized by the system 100 in determining variouspaces of play and player pace rating metrics for players on a golfcourse. The following exemplary examples of algorithms are not intendedto limit the present invention to the golf course illustrative example,but the steps of these algorithms are provided for explanation purposes.The system 100 can utilize the data collected throughout the course(e.g., data related to players crossing cage and/or arc boundaries), asdiscussed herein, to calculate any number of metrics to be used in anycombination of analytics to be presented in any number of formats. Inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, acombination of live data gathered by the system 100 (e.g., via the onesensor device(s) 10, nation device(s) 20, operator device(s) 18, etc.)and historical data stored thereon can be used to derive the variouspace of play metrics discussed herein.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, eachplayer or group is tracked throughout the golf course utilizing on ormore of the sensor device(s) 10, patron device(s) 20, and operatordevice(s) 18 and data is gathered from those devices reflecting theplayer(s) or groups location and time at that location and is stored bythe system 100. The time and location data is available to the system100 for calculating the various metrics and performing the variousanalytics discussed herein. In particular, each player or group has atleast one sensor device(s) 10 and/or patron device(s) 20 that issynchronized within the system 100 (e.g., data management tool 14) andis associated with a unique identifier. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the unique identifier can be a fixed identifierassociated with a device (e.g., a MAC address) or the unique identifiercan be assigned to the device prior to participating in an activity. Forexample, prior to starting a round of golf on a golf course, the playeror group registers the at least one sensor device(s) 10 and/or patrondevice(s) 20 with the club house (e.g., the operator device(s) 18) andthe respective device(s) is assigned a unique identifier. Additionally,the unique identifier can be associated with a particular player orgroup in the system 100 (e.g., a user profile in the database) such thatthe tracked data can be associated with the respective party.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, priorto tee off by the players, the system 100 derives an estimated hole playtime for each hole on a course and a course standard play time for theplayer/group. The tee time, the estimated hole play time, and the coursestandard play time for the player/group are utilized by the system 100to further derive hole milestones and hole by hole schedule for theplayer(s). In particular, the system 100 utilizes the tee time andestimated hole play times to calculate the hole milestones and a hole byhole schedule for each player/group. In accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention, the hole milestone and hole by holeschedule are indicators as to whether the player/group is on schedulefor an overall round of golf which can be evaluated at the completion ofeach hole.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the estimated holeplay times can be user defined values or can be constantly updatingbased on a historical average of play time data. For user definedestimated hole play times, a user can identify and enter predeterminedvalues of an estimated time to complete each hole on the course into thesystem 100 (e.g., using an operator device(s) 18 or data management tool14). For example, user predefined estimates for the estimated hole playtimes can include eleven minutes for each par three, thirteen minutesfor each par four, and seventeen minutes for each par five to createabout a four hour round. Similarly, the estimated hole play times can bea historical average of the hole standard play times. For example, theestimated hole play time for each hole on a course can be the holebenchmark play time.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thehole milestones and a hole by hole schedule are calculated by adding tothe starting clock time of the first tee time (e.g., the clock time whena player first crosses into the first cage 402 or arc 406) to theestimated hole play time for each hole to be played on a course. Theholes are assumed to be played incrementally to establish each of themilestones such that each subsequent hole will add an estimated timewithin the milestones. An example formula for calculating a milestonecan be M(i,j) S(i)+sum H(i,j) for all i from 1 to j, where i is a groupnumber, j is a hole number, M(i,j) is the clock times of hole by holescheduled milestones for group i to finish hole j, S(i) is the actualstart clock time group i begins the round, and H(i,j) is the expectedhole play time for each group number i for each hole j. The holemilestone and the hole by hole schedule define an estimated clock orplay time of when the player/group should finish a hole or round of golfto maintain a reasonable pace. As would be appreciated by one skilled inthe art, the reasonable pace can be based on a number of differentfactors. For example, the reasonable pace can vary based on party size(e.g., individual player or group size), a number of holes being played,a level of difficulty of the course/holes being played, and/or a skilllevel of the player/group.

Once the hole milestone and/or the hole by hole schedule are defined,the system 100 can create a schedule for that player/group. The scheduleis established and maintained by the system 100 and is monitored todetermine whether the player/group is maintaining the reasonable pacefor that player/group according to that schedule. In accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention, the schedule is the clocktime of the tee time (e.g., the start of the round of golf) plus the sumof all the holes played up to that point in time. As each hole iscompleted, the player/group standard play time for that hole iscompared, by the system 100, to the derived hole milestone and hole byhole schedule. Based on the comparison, the system 100 can determinewhether or not the player/group is “on schedule”. To make the “onschedule” determination the system 100 compares a sum of theplayer/group standard play times for each of the completed holes up tothat point in time to the estimated hole play time up to that point intime from the hole milestone and/or the hole by hole schedule. Anexample formula for such a calculation can be written asD(i,j)=A(i,j)−M(i,j) where i is a group number, j is a hole number,D(i,j) is the difference between milestone and actual finishing time forgroup I playing hole j, A(i,j) is the actual hole clock finishing timefor group i on hole j (e.g., Gout(i,j, Cage Green)), and M(i,j) is theclock times of hole by hole scheduled milestones for group i to finishhole j. If the D(i,j) value is negative or zero, then group i is “onschedule” otherwise group i is not on schedule.

The system 100 can process an “on schedule” algorithm to determinewhether or not a player/group is “on schedule” during a round of golf.The “on schedule” algorithm utilizes the hole milestone and/or the holeby hole schedule to establish a total estimated play time value for theplay/group at the end of each hole. For example, if the estimated holeplay time for the first hole is eleven minutes, the estimated hole playtime for the second hole is thirteen minutes, and the estimated holeplay time for the third hole is seventeen minutes, then they system hasthree hole milestones (one for the completion of each hole). The holemilestone and/or the hole by hole schedule for the three holes is elevenminutes for the first milestone (e.g., the estimated time to completethe first hole (11)), twenty-four minutes for the second milestone(e.g., total estimated time for completion of the first hole and thesecond hole (11+13=24)), and forty-one minutes for the third milestone(e.g., the estimated time for completing all three holes (11+13+17=41).

At each milestone, the “on schedule” algorithm is processed by thesystem 100. The “on schedule” algorithm adds the player/group standardplay time for each hole together and compares the total player/groupstandard play time to the total estimated milestone play times from thehole milestone and/or the hole by hole schedule. Based on thecomparison, the system 100 determines whether or not a player/group is“on schedule”. Continuing the example, if the player/group tooktwenty-six minutes to complete the first and second holes, then theplayer/group standard play time of twenty-six is compared by the system100 to the second estimated milestone time of twenty-four minutes. Inthis example, the group/player is behind schedule because theplayer/group standard play time is greater than the estimated milestoneplay time for the first two holes (e.g., 26>24). As would be appreciatedby one skilled in the art, if the player/group standard play time isless than or equal to the estimated milestone play time for the firsttwo holes (e.g., <=24) then the player/group would be determined to be“on schedule” by the system 100. As would be appreciated by one skilledin the art, the comparison can be performed using any algorithms knownin the art. For example, the comparison can be performed by subtractingthe sum of the player/group standard play times for each of thecompleted holes up to a particular point in time from the estimated holeplay time up to that point in time from the hole milestone and/or thehole by hole schedule. If the resulting value is negative then theplayer/group is “on schedule”, otherwise if the resulting value ispositive then the player/group is not “on schedule”. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the same calculations can beperformed using the player/group adjusted play times in place of theplayer/group standard play times to account for impeding wait timescaused by other players.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 can calculate a value for any deviation from the schedule ordeviation value. The deviation value can be calculated by taking thedifference between the player/group standard play times and the holemilestone and/or the hole by hole schedule. The difference is thedeviation value. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, thesame calculations can be performed using the player/group adjusted playtimes in place of the player/group standard play times to account forimpeding wait times caused by other players. In accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 can utilizethe deviation value to determine if a player/group is being impeded byother players/groups. An example formula for such a calculation for thedeviation value can be written as D(i−1,j): This deviation valueidentifies the time difference for the group ahead for hole j (the holethat group i just finished). If the deviation value is negative or zero,then group i has not been impeded by the group ahead, however, if thedeviation value is positive, then group i may have been impeded. Whenthe system 100 identifies that a particular player/group is bringimpeded by identifying that a group immediately ahead of that particularplayer/group is off schedule and the other player/group does not play ahole within the hole standard play time (e.g., is off pace or offschedule). In this circumstance, the system 100 labels the particularplayer/group as “impeded”. Similarly, when the system 100 identifiesthat a player/group incurs waiting time on a hole and the player/groupdoes not play a hole within the hole standard play time, the system 100labels the player/group as “alternate impeded”.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, thesystem 100 can utilize the deviation value to determine if aplayer/group is impeding other players/groups. An example formula forsuch a calculation for the deviation value can be written asA(i−1,j)−A(I,j)<H(j) to indicate if group i−1 is not more ahead of Groupi than the hole's hole play time, and thus group i−1 is impeding group i(i.e. group i is impeded by the group ahead.). Where i is a groupnumber, j is a hole number, A(i−1,j) is the actual hole finish clocktime group i−1 finishes hole j, A(i,j) is the actual hole finish clocktime group i finishes hole j, and H(i) is the expected hole play timefor hole j. When the system 100 identifies that a player/group behind aparticular player/group is off pace or off schedule and not furtherbehind than the hole standard play time, in this circumstance, thesystem 100 labels the particular player/group as “impeding”. Similarly,when the system 100 identifies that a player/group behind the particularplayer/group incurs waiting time on a hole and the player/group does notplay a hole within the hole standard play time, the system 100 labelsthe player/group as “alternate impeding”. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, the impeded and impeding labels can be used by thesystem 100 to derive additional metrics and/or be provided to usersand/or players to indicate which parties are impeded and impedingothers.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, apace of play algorithm can be used to determine whether a player/groupis “on pace”. The on pace algorithm can operate similarly to the “onschedule” algorithm. In particular, the system 100 processes the “onpace” algorithm to evaluate player/group play times compared toestimated play times on a hole by hole basis. The “on pace” algorithmcompares the player/group standard play time for a particular hole tothe estimated hole play time for that particular hole. Based on thecomparison, the system 100 can determine whether or not a player/groupis “on pace”. An example formula for an on pace algorithm can be writtenas T(i,j): If less than or equal to H(j), Then group i is “on pace”otherwise group i is not on pace, where i is a group number, j is a holenumber, T(i,j) is the actual time duration group i took to play hole j(e.g., TT(i,j)), and H(i) is the expected hole play time for hole j.

For example, if the player/group standard play time for hole one is tenminutes and the estimated hole play time for hole one is eleven minutes,then the system 100 uses the “on pace” algorithm perform the comparisonto determine that the player/group is “on pace” (e.g., 10<11).Similarly, if the player/group standard play time for hole one isfourteen minutes instead, then the “on pace” algorithm is utilized bythe system 100 to determine that the player/group is not “on pace”because fourteen minutes is greater than the estimate hole play time ofeleven for that particular hole. As would be appreciated by one skilledin the art, the same calculations can be performed using theplayer/group adjusted play times in place of the player/group standardplay times to account for impeding wait times caused by other players.Similarly, all of the calculations discussed herein can include a marginof acceptance. For example, the margin of acceptance can be one minute,such that if D(i,j) is less than one minute, then group i is stillconsidered, by the system 100, to be “on schedule.”

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theresult of the on pace algorithm can be relayed to the player/group. Inparticular, the on pace indicator can be transmitted to the patrondevice 20 or sensor device 10 being carried by the player/group fornotification on the LED and/or e-Ink display. For example, the LEDand/or e-Ink display can display a green card or color to indicate thatthe player/group is playing at the proper pace, a yellow card or colorto indicate that the player/group is not on schedule but is impeded by aplayer/group ahead, or a red card or color to indicate that theplayer/group is playing slowly and causing others to play slowly.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the system 100 cancombine various metrics to determine what pace of play/on schedulecolors to indicate to the players/groups. The colors notify theplayer/group whether their pace of play is good (e.g., green) or whetherthey need to pick up the pace (e.g., yellow or red). In accordance withan example embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 cancombine metrics related to “on schedule”, “on pace”, impeded, andimpeding. With this particular combination of metrics, there are sixteenpossible combinations, each with two indicators (e.g., Y or N); on oroff schedule, on or off pace, impeded or not, and impeding or not. Thepossible combinations are depicted in Table 1.

TABLE 1 On Schedule On Pace Impeded Impeding Color  1. Y Y Y Y Green  2.Y Y Y N Green  3. Y Y N Y Green  4. Y Y N N Green  5. Y N Y Y Green  6.Y N Y N Green  7. Y N N Y Yellow  8. Y N N N Green  9. N Y Y Y Yellow10. N Y Y N Green 11. N Y N Y Red 12. N Y N N Green 13. N N Y Y Yellow14. N N Y N Yellow 15. N N N Y Red 16. N N N N Yellow

The system 100 can use the information in this table to determine whatcolor indicator to transmit to a player/group's respective devices(e.g., patron device(s) 20, sensor device(s) 10, etc.). For example, asdepicted in the first line of Table 1, if the system determines that theplayer/group is on schedule, the player/group has played the hole “onpace”, that the player/group is being impeded by a player/group ahead,and that the player/group is impeding a player/group behind then thedisplayed color or card will be green. As would be appreciated by oneskilled in the art, each result in each column is calculated and/orderived by the system based on a combination of the algorithms discussedherein. An example formula for such a calculation can be written as ifD(i,j)<=0 (e.g., on schedule) AND TT(i,j)<=H(i,j) (e.g., on pace) ANDWW(i,j)=either + or − (e.g., whether or not incurred waiting/impeded)AND WW(i+1,j)=either + or − (e.g., whether or not causingwaiting/impeding), Then green card. The system 100 can utilize a lookuptable stored in a database to determine the color card to display basedon the derived values from the “on pace”, “on schedule”, impeded, andimpeding algorithms. Similarly, the system 100 can have an algorithmtailored to compare these values without the use of a lookup table.Additionally, the card color can be determined using any othermethodologies utilizing the combination of hardware, software, and datacollected within the system 100, known in the art.

FIGS. 5-7 show exemplary flow charts depicting implementation of thepresent invention. In particular, FIG. 5 depicts a method 500 tocalculate the suggested scheduling of spacing between groups of playersstarting a round of golf on the golf course. The spacing is based uponthe longest throughput (tp) of any hole played during a current activeround. In accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention, the system 100 only includes holes that have had five playersor groups play those holes today. For example, if hole number seventeenhas been played in eighteen minutes by a particular player or group andthe eighteen minutes is the longest time of any active throughput for aplayer or group on holes seventeen that day, then the system 100 adjuststhe tee time spacing from the predetermined spacing (e.g., 14 minutes)to eighteen minutes to account for the lengthier playtime throughput.Accordingly, the tee time will be adjusted to match the throughput ofplayers or groups playing the hole(s) a specific period of time duringthat day. As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the teetime spacing can also be adjusted to be a shorter period of time. Forexample, once the longest throughput on a hole is sixteen minutes forthe last five players or groups on a hole, then the spacing becomessixteen minutes instead of the eighteen minutes and the time can beadjusted dynamically to reflect the current throughput.

Continuing with FIG. 5, in accordance with an example embodiment of thepresent invention, the system 100 waits until a predetermined number ofgroups (e.g., 3-5) has started playing golf in order to beginrecommending an appropriate real-time group spacing time. If the coursehas not seen the predetermined number of groups play yet, then the teetimes can be based on a historical average and then adjust accordinglyuntil the predetermined number of groups is met. Additionally, thesystem 100 can utilize zones to track the tee times. Zone 1, as depictedin FIG. 5, represents the method 500 for how the system 100 tracks astart of a “round of golf”. In particular, the system 100 tracks thestart by marking the time clock starts for a round of golf when an assetenters the first tee box cage 402 a, thus opening up Zone 1. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, Zone 1 does not need to becorrelated to the first hole necessarily but can be any hole that theygolfer has been placed to start a round of golf. Zone X, or the endzone, represents the last hole in a round of gold and the system 100ends the total clock time for the round of golf. The individual zonecycle times are calculated by detecting a golfer entering a tee box cage402 a, which opens the zone, and entering the green cage 402 b whichthen closes the zone and the system 100 calculates the total throughputtime. The longest current throughput time is used to determine assetstart time space or tee time spacing between golfers/groups. As would beappreciated by one skilled in the art, the throughput is fluidthroughout the day and can be adjusted based on size of group (singlesvs twosome vs threesome vs. foursome, etc.) and whether they arewalking, riding or have a caddie.

FIG. 6 depicts a process 600 that the system 100 uses to calculate theon pace algorithm, as discussed herein. At step 602, the system 100identifies that a particular device carried by a particular player(e.g., sensor device 10, operator device 18, and patron device 20)crosses cage 402 or arc 406 boundary. For example, the system 100periodically pings the particular device and determines that theparticular device has crossed an area defined by a geolocation boundaryfor a particular cage 402 or arc 406, as discussed herein. At step 604,the system 100 determines whether there are other devices, being carriedby other players, are located ahead of the particular player/device. Forexample, the system 100 determines whether there are other players,carrying devices detectable by the system 100, located at an area (e.g.,an adjacent cage 402 or arc 406) immediately ahead of the particularplayer.

If at step 604, the system 100 does detect other devices immediatelyahead of the particular player/device then the process 600 advances tostep 606. If at step 604, the system does not detect other devicesimmediately ahead of the particular player/device then the process 600advances to step 608. At step 608, the system 100 determines whetherthere are other devices, being carried by other players, located in thenext cage 402 or arc 406 (e.g., the next adjacent cage 402 or arc 406 ona hole or the course) from the particular player/device. If at step 608,the system 100 does detect other devices in the next cage 402 or arc 406from the particular player/device then the process 600 advances to step610. At step 610, the system 100 instructs the particular player (e.g.,via E-Ink or patron device 20 display) to wait for the other players toexit the next cage 402 or arc 406 and advances to step 612. At step 612,the system introduces the relative pace analysis to the particularplayer's device. The relative pace analysis is the adjusted player/grouppace (e.g., adjusted by wait time) to be displayed to the player orgroup. If at step 608, the system does not detect other devices nextcage 402 or arc 406, then the process 600 advances to step 614. At step614, the system 100 executes activity to make forward progress.Executing activity to make forward progress indicates to the player orgroup that if there is no player or group occupying the area in front ofthem then they should be making forward progress. Thereafter, the playeror group should be moving forward or they might start to impede playersbehind them. Any time the player or group takes to complete a hole(without anyone in front of them in a cage 402 or courtesy arc 406) is“charged” to them as impeding if they are holding up other players.

Returning to step 604, if the system 100 does detect other devicesimmediately ahead of the particular player/device then the process 600advances to step 606. At step 606, the system 100 instructs theparticular player to wait for the other players to exit the areaimmediately ahead to exit and advances to step 616. At step 616, thesystem 100 determines whether there are other devices, being carried byother players, located in the next cage 402 or arc 406 from theparticular player/device. If at step 616, the system 100 does detectother devices in the next cage 402 or arc 406 from the particularplayer/device then the process 600 advances to step 618. At step 618,the system 100 instructs the particular player to wait for the otherplayers to exit the next cage 402 or arc 406 and advances to step 612.At step 612, the system introduces the relative pace analysis to theparticular player's device. If at step 616, the system does not detectother devices next cage 402 or arc 406, then the process 600 advances tostep 614. At step 614, the system 100 executes activity to make forwardprogress.

FIG. 7 depicts a process 700 for tracking player movement andcalculating metrics for the player based on the data gathered on a golfcourse. At step 702, the system determines whether a particularplayer/device (e.g., sensor device 10, operator device 18, patron device20) being carried by the player is moving. If the system determines thatthe player/device is not moving, the process 700 advances to step 704.Otherwise if the system determines that the player/device is moving, theprocess 700 advances to step 716. At step 704, the system 100 determineswhether there are other devices, being carried by other players, arelocated ahead of the particular player/device. The process at step 704is similar to the process in steps 604, as discussed with respect toFIG. 6. If, at step 704, the system 100 does detect other devicesimmediately ahead of the particular player/device then the process 700advances to step 708. At step 708, the system 100 determines that theparticular player/device is impeded. If at step 704, the system does notdetect other devices immediately ahead of the particular player/devicethen the process 700 advances to step 706.

At step 706, the system 100 determines whether there are other devices,being carried by other players, located in the next cage 402 or arc 406from the particular player/device. If at step 706, the system 100 doesnot detect other devices in the next cage 402 or arc 406 from theparticular player/device then the process 700 advances to step 710. Atstep 710, the system 100 instructs the particular player that they areplaying slow and impeding other players and advances to step 714. Atstep 714, the system introduces the relative pace analysis to theparticular player's device. If at step 706, the system does detect otherdevices next cage 402 or arc 406, then the process 700 advances to step712. At step 712, the system 100 instructs the particular player to waitfor the other players to exit the area immediately ahead to exit thearea. Once the system 100 determines that the other players to exit thearea immediately ahead, the process advances to step 714. At step 714,the system introduces the relative pace analysis to the particularplayer's device. The process at step 714 is similar to the process insteps 612, as discussed with respect to FIG. 6.

At step 716, the system 100 determines whether there are other devices(e.g., sensor device 10, operator device 18, patron device 20), beingcarried by other players, are located ahead of the particularplayer/device. The process at step 716 is similar to the process insteps 604, as discussed with respect to FIG. 6. If at step 716, thesystem does not detect other devices immediately ahead of the particularplayer/device then the process 700 advances to step 718. At step 718,the system 100 determines that the particular player/device is notimpeded. If at step 716, the system 100 does detect other devicesimmediately ahead of the particular player/device then the process 700advances to step 720. At step 720, the system determines whether otherdevices ahead of the player/device in the same cage 402 or arc 406boundary. If the system 100 determines that there are no other devicesahead of the player/device in the same cage 402 or arc 406 boundary,then the process advances to step 722. At step 722, the system 100determines that the particular player/device is not impeded. If thesystem 100 determines that there are other devices ahead of theplayer/device in the same cage or arc boundary, then the processadvances to step 724. At step 724, the system 100 sends notifications tothe other players/devices to let the particular player/device playthrough.

As would be appreciated by one skilled in the art, all of the tracking,data aggregation, calculations, determinations, derivations, etc. arenecessarily performed by the combination of hardware and softwareembodied in the system 100, as described herein. The system 100 providesthe necessary hardware and software installed thereon to efficiently andexpeditiously process the various algorithms discussed herein. Suchprocesses provide an improvement to data analytics systems which arenecessarily rooted in computer technologies.

Any suitable hardware device can be used to implement the various sensorand computing devices 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and methods/functionalitydescribed herein and be converted to a specific system for performingthe operations and features described herein through modification ofhardware, software, and firmware, in a manner significantly more thanmere execution of software on a generic computing device, as would beappreciated by those of skill in the art. One illustrative example ofsuch a computing device 1000 is depicted in FIG. 8. The computing device1000 is merely an illustrative example of a suitable computingenvironment and in no way limits the scope of the present invention. A“computing device,” as represented by FIG. 8, can include a“workstation,” a “server,” a “laptop,” a “desktop,” a “hand-helddevice,” a “mobile device,” a “tablet computer,” or other computingdevices, as would be understood by those of skill in the art. Given thatthe computing device 1000 is depicted for illustrative purposes,embodiments of the present invention may utilize any number of computingdevices 1000 in any number of different ways to implement a singleembodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, embodiments of thepresent invention are not limited to a single computing device 1000, aswould be appreciated by one with skill in the art, nor are they limitedto a single type of implementation or configuration of the examplecomputing device 1000.

The computing device 1000 can include a bus 1010 that can be coupled toone or more of the following illustrative components, directly orindirectly: a memory 1012, one or more processors 1014, one or morepresentation components 1016, input/output ports 1018, input/outputcomponents 1020, and a power supply 1024. One of skill in the art willappreciate that the bus 1010 can include one or more busses, such as anaddress bus, a data bus, or any combination thereof. One of skill in theart additionally will appreciate that, depending on the intendedapplications and uses of a particular embodiment, multiple of thesecomponents can be implemented by a single device. Similarly, in someinstances, a single component can be implemented by multiple devices. Assuch, FIG. 8 is merely illustrative of an exemplary computing devicethat can be used to implement one or more embodiments of the presentinvention, and in no way limits the invention.

The computing device 1000 can include or interact with a variety ofcomputer-readable media. For example, computer-readable media caninclude Random Access Memory (RAM); Read Only Memory (ROM);Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); flashmemory or other memory technologies; CDROM, digital versatile disks(DVD) or other optical or holographic media; magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesthat can be used to encode information and can be accessed by thecomputing device 1000.

The memory 1012 can include computer-storage media in the form ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory. The memory 1012 may be removable,non-removable, or any combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devicesare devices such as hard drives, solid-state memory, optical-discdrives, and the like. The computing device 1000 can include one or moreprocessors that read data from components such as the memory 1012, thevarious I/O components 1016, etc. Presentation component(s) 1016 presentdata indications to a user or other device. Exemplary presentationcomponents include a display device, speaker, printing component,vibrating component, etc.

The I/O ports 1018 can enable the computing device 1000 to be logicallycoupled to other devices, such as I/O components 1020. Some of the I/Ocomponents 1020 can be built into the computing device 1000. Examples ofsuch I/O components 1020 include a microphone, joystick, recordingdevice, game pad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device,networking device, and the like.

As utilized herein, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” are intendedto be construed as being inclusive, not exclusive. As utilized herein,the terms “exemplary”, “example”, and “illustrative”, are intended tomean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration” and should notbe construed as indicating, or not indicating, a preferred oradvantageous configuration relative to other configurations. As utilizedherein, the terms “about” and “approximately” are intended to covervariations that may existing in the upper and lower limits of the rangesof subjective or objective values, such as variations in properties,parameters, sizes, and dimensions. In one non-limiting example, theterms “about” and “approximately” mean at, or plus 10 percent or less,or minus 10 percent or less. In one non-limiting example, the terms“about” and “approximately” mean sufficiently close to be deemed by oneof skill in the art in the relevant field to be included. As utilizedherein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete or nearlycomplete extend or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state,structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated by one of skill inthe art. For example, an object that is “substantially” circular wouldmean that the object is either completely a circle to mathematicallydeterminable limits, or nearly a circle as would be recognized orunderstood by one of skill in the art. The exact allowable degree ofdeviation from absolute completeness may in some instances depend on thespecific context. However, in general, the nearness of completion willbe so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and totalcompletion were achieved or obtained. The use of “substantially” isequally applicable when utilized in a negative connotation to refer tothe complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic,property, state, structure, item, or result, as would be appreciated byone of skill in the art.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construedas illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details ofthe structure may vary substantially without departing from the spiritof the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications thatcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. Within thisspecification embodiments have been described in a way which enables aclear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended andwill be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined orseparated without parting from the invention. It is intended that thepresent invention be limited only to the extent required by the appendedclaims and the applicable rules of law.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover allgeneric and specific features of the invention described herein, and allstatements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language,might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for managing a plurality of patrons ofan activity venue, the activity venue including a plurality ofsub-activities in which patrons participate, the system comprising: eachsub-activity of the plurality of sub-activities having a point of accessfor the plurality of patrons to embark on the sub-activity, wherein thepoint of access is recognized by the system; a wireless gateway; aplurality of patron sensor devices for disposition and transportationthroughout the activity venue by the plurality of patrons, each of theplurality of patron sensor devices comprising a location sensorconfigured to provide real-time location data indicating the location ofthe plurality of patron sensor devices within the activity venue and awireless communication device for communication with the wirelessgateway, the communication comprising receiving the real-time locationdata from the plurality of patron sensor devices, enabling the system toestablish a real-time location of each of the plurality of patron sensordevices within the activity venue; and a computing device incommunication with the wireless gateway, the computing device executinga tracking tool that receives the real-time location data for each ofthe plurality of patron sensor devices via the wireless gateway andtransforms the real-time location data into predictive data indicatinganticipated locations of each of the plurality of patron sensor deviceswithin the activity venue at future times.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the activity venue is a golf course, the plurality ofsub-activities are holes on the golf course, and the plurality ofpatrons are golfers on the golf course.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the computing device provides information related to at leastone of: sub-activity time management, participant matching, live trafficcontrol, statistics related to the tracked movements of the plurality ofpatrons, predictive analytics of the plurality of patrons, layout of theactivity venue, and maintenance of the activity venue to at least anoperator of the activity venue.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein thecomputing device provides information related to at least one of: paceof play for the each sub-activities, sub-activity start times,statistics, and weather to the plurality of patrons of the plurality ofpatron sensor devices within the activity venue.
 5. The system of claim1, wherein the plurality of patron sensor devices each comprise alight-emitting diode (LED), the LED configured to change color based onan actual pace of a patron carrying the plurality of patron sensordevices relative to another patron or group of patrons carrying one ormore of the plurality of patron sensor devices ahead of the patron and atarget pace for the patron.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of patron sensor devices each comprise an electronic ink(e-Ink) display, the e-Ink display configured to display a distance toanother one of the plurality of patron sensor devices or distance to avenue asset tag.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the displayeddistance is a distance to a pin with the venue asset tag located on acurrent hole on a golf course.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of patron sensor devices each comprise a payment method storedon the plurality of patron sensor devices.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of patron sensor devices each comprise a motionsensor, and when the motion sensor for a patron sensor device does notdetect motion for a predefined period of time, the patron sensor deviceenters a low power state, and upon a detection of motion, the patronsensor device is woken from the low power state.
 10. The system of claim1, wherein each of the plurality of patron sensor devices can be atleast one of a golf bag tag, a key chain, a card, a club grip, and aball mark repair tool.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein a venue assettag is in local communication with at least one patron sensor device ofthe plurality of patron sensor devices and enables calculation of adistance between the venue asset tag and the at least one patron sensordevice without use of an intermediary device.
 12. The system of claim 1,wherein the wireless gateway comprises a long range wide area network(LoRa) gateway.
 13. The system of claim 1, further comprising one ormore venue asset tags configured to communicate with the wirelessgateway and provide real-time location data for the one or more venueasset tags.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the one or more venueasset tags are attachable to or integrated into at least one of a flagstick, a golf cart, a piece of maintenance equipment, a maintenancevehicle, a yardage marker, sprinkler heads, and a sign.
 15. The systemof claim 14, wherein the one or more venue asset tags attached to orintegrated into the sprinkler heads are configured to monitor anoperating state of the sprinkler heads and turn on and off the sprinklerheads in response to receiving instructions from the computing device.16. The system of claim 14, wherein: the one or more venue asset tagsattached to or integrated into the maintenance vehicle are configured todetect vibration of the maintenance vehicle during operation andtransmit a duration of operation to the computing device; and thecomputing device optimizes a maintenance schedule for the maintenancevehicle based on the duration of operation.
 17. The system of claim 1,wherein the computing device is a cloud based computing deviceinfrastructure.
 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the system identifiespredictive gaps in usage of each sub-activity based on the location datafor each of the plurality of patron sensor devices, and the systemissues notifications of recommended points of access for sub-activitiesat future times having the identified predictive gaps in usage in such away that maximizes a number of the plurality of patrons engaging in eachsub-activity of the plurality of sub-activities and minimizes a numberof the plurality of patrons waiting to engage in usage of eachsub-activity due to the sub-activity being utilized by other of theplurality of patrons.
 19. A system for optimizing activity of golferscarrying one or more specialized mobile sensors throughout a golfcourse, the system comprising: a venue gateway device configured toreceive location data from the one or more specialized mobile sensors; atracking tool configured to track movements of each of the one or morespecialized mobile sensors over a period of time based on the receivedlocation data; a data management tool configured to aggregate thereceived location data and the tracked movements to determineinstructions to optimize traffic patterns and reduce playtimes of thegolfers on the golf course; and the venue gateway device configured totransmit instructions to the one or more specialized mobile sensorsand/or an operator to implement optimized traffic patterns and reduceplaytimes.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the instructions provideinformation related to placement location and placement time of thegolfers on the golf course.
 21. A system for tracking patron pace ofplay movement on a golf course, the system comprising: two or morevirtual cages designated on each hole of the golf course, the two ormore cages defined by geolocation boundaries; a venue gateway deviceconfigured to receive location data from one or more specialized mobilesensors; a data management tool configured to: identify when one of theone or more specialized mobile sensors crosses into an area defined byone of the geolocation boundaries for one of the two or more cages basedon the received location data; record a clock time of the crossing andan identifier of the one of the one or more specialized mobile sensors;determine a pace of play for a patron carrying the one of the one ormore specialized mobile sensors based on the recorded clock time; andtransmit instructions to the one or more specialized mobile sensorsand/or an operator based on the determined pace of play.
 22. The systemof claim 21, wherein the geolocation boundaries for the two or morevirtual cages are positioned around a tee off area and a green area oneach hole of the golf course.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein thegeolocation boundaries for the two or more virtual cages are positionedaround at least one fairway area on at least one hole of the golfcourse.
 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the geolocation boundariesfor the two or more virtual cages are positioned at designated areasother than the tee off area, the green area, and the at least onefairway area.
 25. The system of claim 21, further comprising at leasttwo virtual arcs designated on each hole of the golf course.
 26. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the at least two virtual arcs designate aposition of geolocation boundaries for virtual cages on a fairway of ahole on the golf course, and wherein the position is identified bypoints in which two of the at least two virtual arcs overlap.
 27. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the recorded clock time is recorded eachtime a patron enters and exits each of the two or more virtual cages onthe golf course.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein the pace of play ofthe patron is calculated by determining a difference of recorded clocktimes for each patron throughout the golf course.
 29. The system ofclaim 28, wherein the pace of play of the patron is determined inaccordance with:TT(i,j)=T(i,j)−WW(i,j) where i is a group number, j is a hole number, nis a cage number, TT(i,j) is a play time minus a wait time to play holej by group i, T(i,j) is an actual time duration group i took to playhole j, and WW(i,j) is a total wait time for group i on hole j for allcages on hole j.
 30. The system of claim 27, wherein a statisticalregression analysis is performed on recorded clock times for patrons onthe golf course to calculate a patron pace rating for each of thepatrons.
 31. The system of claim 21, wherein locations of patrons on thegolf course are tracked through identification of recorded clock timesfor the crossing of geolocation boundaries of the two or more virtualcages.
 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the locations of patrons onthe golf course are utilized by the system for real-time adjustment of atee time based on current throughput.
 33. A system for managingmaintenance tasks within an activity venue, the activity venue includinga plurality of sub-activities in which patrons participate, the systemcomprising: a wireless gateway; a plurality of patron sensor devices fordisposition and transportation throughout the activity venue by aplurality of patrons, each of the plurality of patron sensor devicescomprising: a location sensor configured to provide real-time locationand time data indicating the location of the plurality of patron sensordevices at different points in time within the activity venue; and awireless communication device for communication with the wirelessgateway, the communication comprising transmitting the real-timelocation and time data from the plurality of patron sensor devices tothe wireless gateway, enabling the system to establish a real-timelocation of each of the plurality of patron sensor devices within theactivity venue; a computing device in communication with the wirelessgateway, the computing device executing a tracking tool that receivesthe real-time location and time data for each of the plurality of patronsensor devices via the wireless gateway and transforms the real-timelocation and time data into predictive data indicating anticipatedlocations of each of the plurality of patron sensor devices within theactivity venue at future times; and wherein the system identifiespredictive gaps in usage of each sub-activity of the plurality ofsub-activities based on the location and time data for each of theplurality of patron sensor devices.
 34. The system of claim 33, wherethe system issues notifications to one or more operator devices and/orsensors devices associated with staff members, recommending types ofmaintenance tasks to be performed during the predictive gaps in usage.35. The system of claim 33, further comprising one or more venue assettags configured to communicate with the wireless gateway and providereal-time location and time data for the one or more venue asset tags.36. The system of claim 35, wherein the one or more venue asset tags areattachable to or integrated into at least one of a flag stick, a golfcart, a piece of maintenance equipment, a maintenance vehicle, a yardagemarker, sprinkler heads, and a sign.
 37. The system of claim 36, whereinthe one or more venue asset tags attached to or integrated into thesprinkler heads are configured to monitor an operating state of thesprinkler heads and turn on and off the sprinkler heads in response toreceiving instructions from the computing device.
 38. The system ofclaim 36, wherein: the one or more venue asset tags attached to orintegrated into the maintenance vehicle are configured to detectvibration of the maintenance vehicle during operation and transmit aduration of operation to the computing device; and the computing deviceoptimizes a maintenance schedule for the maintenance vehicle based onthe duration of operation.
 39. The system of claim 33, wherein thecomputing device provides information related to at least one of:sub-activity time management, participant matching, live trafficcontrol, statistics related to the tracked movements of the plurality ofpatrons, predictive analytics of the plurality of patrons, layout of theactivity venue, and maintenance of the activity venue to at least anoperator of the activity venue.
 40. The system of claim 33, wherein thecomputing device provides information related to at least one of: paceof play for the each sub-activities, sub-activity start times,statistics, and weather to the plurality of patrons of the plurality ofpatron sensor devices within the activity venue.
 41. The system of claim33, wherein the plurality of patron sensor devices each comprise anelectronic ink (e-Ink) display, the e-Ink display configured to displaya distance to another one of the plurality of patron sensor devices ordistance to a venue asset tag.
 42. The system of claim 33, wherein theplurality of patron sensor devices each comprise a motion sensor, andwhen the motion sensor for a patron sensor device does not detect motionfor a predefined period of time, the patron sensor device enters a lowpower state, and upon a detection of motion, the patron sensor device iswoken from the low power state.
 43. The system of claim 33, wherein eachof the plurality of patron sensor devices can be at least one of a golfbag tag, a key chain, a card, a club grip, and a ball mark repair tool.44. The system of claim 33, wherein a venue asset tag is in localcommunication with at least one patron sensor device of the plurality ofpatron sensor devices and enables calculation of a distance between thevenue asset tag and the at least one patron sensor device without use ofan intermediary device.
 45. The system of claim 33, wherein the wirelessgateway comprises a long range wide area network (LoRa) gateway.
 46. Thesystem of claim 33, wherein the computing device is a cloud basedcomputing device infrastructure.
 47. The system of claim 33, wherein thesystem issues notifications of recommended points of access forsub-activities at future times having the identified predictive gaps inusage in such a way that maximizes a number of the plurality of patronsengaging in each sub-activity of the plurality of sub-activities andminimizes a number of the plurality of patrons waiting to engage inusage of each sub-activity due to the sub-activity being utilized byother of the plurality of patrons.
 48. A method of tracking patronmovement on a golf course, the method comprising: receiving locationdata and time data from one or more patron sensor devices and one ormore operator devices, the location data and time data triggered by anindication that one of the one or more patron sensor devices has crossedinto an area defined by a geolocation boundary for one of two or morecages designated on each hole of the golf course; recording a clock timeof the crossing based on the time data, the location of the crossing,and an identifier of the one of the one or more patron sensor devices;determining a pace of play for a patron carrying the one of the one ormore patron sensor devices based on the location and the recorded clocktime; and transmitting instructions to the one or more patron sensordevices and/or the one or more operator devices based on the determinedpace of play.
 49. The system of claim 48, wherein the instructions aretransmitted to the one of the one or more patron sensor devices and arerelated to the patron being on pace or behind pace.
 50. The system ofclaim 48, wherein the instructions are transmitted to one of the one ormore operator devices and are related dispatching maintenance staff to alocation based on pace of play for each patron associated with the oneor more patron sensor devices.